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THE  NOVELS 

OF 

CAPTAIN   MARRYAT 

EDITED    BY 

R.  BRIMLEY    JOHNSON 


This  Edition  of  Captain  Marry  at"  s  No'velSf 

made  exclust<vely  for  members  of  the 

NEW  YORK  TACHr  CLUB 

is  strictly  limited  to  one  hundred  copies. 


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http://www.archive.org/details/pachaofmanytales1896marr 


NEW  YORK  YACHT  CLUB  EDITION 


THE     PACHA    OF 
MANY    TALES 

BY 
CAPTAIN   MARRYAT 


NEW  YORK 
CROSCUP  AND    COMPANY 

MDCCCXCVI 


Contents 


Chapter  i 

I 

Chapter  ii 

25 

Chapter  hi 

43 

Chapter  iv 

69 

Chapter  v 

94 

Chapter  vi 

120 

Chapter  vii     , 

135 

Chapter  viii 

.       14s 

Chapter  ix 

.       154 

Chapter  x 

.       173 

Chapter  xi 

186 

Chapter  xii 

207 

Chapter  xiii 

.       224 

Chapter  xiv 

.       238 

Chapter  xv 

.       264 

Chapter  xvi 

.       271 

Chapter  xvii 

.       283 

Chapter  xviii 

.       294 

Chapter  xix 

.       333 

Chapter  xx 

.       353 

Chapter  xxi 

•       373 

Chapter  xxii 

•       393 

List  of  Tales 


Story  of  the  Camel-Driver 

. 

14 

Story  of  the  Greek  Slave 

27 

Story  of  the  Monk 

44 

„                continued 

70 

Huckaback 

97 

Manuscript  of  the  Monk 

139 

Third  Voyage  of  Huckaback 

•       155 

Fourth         „               „ 

173 

Fifth            „               „ 

186 

Sixth            „                „ 

207 

The  Last    „               „ 

224 

The  Scarred  Lover 

241 

The  Story  of  Hudusi 

266 

Tale  of  the  English  Sailor    . 

287 

The  Water-Carrier    . 

295 

The  Wondrous  Tale  of  Han. 

335 

Story  of  the  Old  Woman 

359 

List  of  Etchings 


The  enraged  fair  one,  who  perceived  that  T  was 
gaining  the  day,  had  run  behind  me  and  seized 
MY  ARMS    .  ....  Frontispiece 

PAGE 

After     he    has    repeated    says    I   three    times,    off 

WITH  his  head!      .  .  .  .  .125 

His     FIRST    ACT     WAS     TO     RETURN     TO     THE     QUARTER-DECK 

AND   ROLL    HIMSELF   IN    THE    OIL  .  .  .  160 

She     SAT     AT    THE    FOOT     OF     THE     THRONE,     NEAR     TO     THE 

KING  .  .  .  .  .  .  194 

They  walked  on  till  they  toppled  into  the  sea  .       288 

ChAOUKEUN    STRUCK    HER    LUTE       .  .  .  .  34O 

Dratun  and  Etched  by  D.  Murray  Smith. 


tii 


Prefatory  Note 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales,  as  indeed  its  title  suggests, 
is  constructed  in  direct  imitation  of  the  Arabian  Nights. 
A  Pacha  of  olden  days,  enchanted  by  the  stories  of 
Schezehezerade,  becomes  emulous  of  the  great  Haroun, 
and  determines  to  procure  his  own  stock  of  entertainment. 
By  the  assistance  of  a  wily  barber-vizier  he  succeeds  in 
the  attempt,  and  listens  with  greedy  credulity  to  the 
marvellous  histories  herein  set  forth. 

On  one  occasion  an  English  sailor  is  dragged  into  the 
august  presence,  and  demands,  with  all  the  dogged  inde- 
pendence of  his  race,  the  reasons  for  such  treatment. 

"  You  must  tell  lies,  and  you  will  have  gold,"  replies 
the  vizier. 

"  Tell  lies,"  says  Jack  Tar,  "  that  is,  spin  yarns.  Well, 
I  can  do  that." 

The  volume  before  us  could  not  be  more  suggestively 
described.  It  is  a  collection  of  admirable  short  stories 
of  intrigue  and  adventure,  traveller's  wonders  narrated 
with  a  perfect  air  of  good  faith  and  no  regard  for  truth  or 
probability.  All  the  countries  on  the  globe,  and  many 
existing  only  in  the  imagination,  are  called  into  requisition 
to  produce  a  brilliant  phantasmagoria  of  manners  and 
customs.  The  stories  move  rapidly  and  defy  criticism  by 
the  very  occasion  of  their  being,  invented  to  amuse  and 
astonish  a  jaded  autocrat. 

Hence  we  feel  no  shock  in  reading  of  an  island  where 
the  commonest  utensils  are  made  of  gold,  a  nursery  of 
whales,  five  months  in  the  interior  of  an  iceberg,  or  a 
journey  among  the  clouds  during  a  thunderstorm.  The 
demand  for  brevity  strengthens  Marryat's  style,  and  saves 


X  Prefatory  Note 

him  from  padding.  He  is  very  happy  in  contriving  ex- 
pediences, and  evinces  considerable  wit  in  the  conception, 
for  instance,  of  Yussuf  the  water-carrier.  Some  of  the 
stories,  again,  are  really  dramatic,  and  the  "  Second  Voyage 
of  Huckaback"  (p.  126)  reaches  a  height  of  weird  horror 
that  recalls,  without  paling  before  the  thought,  certain 
passages  in  The  Ancient  Mariner, 

The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  was  first  published  in  The 
Metropolitan  Magazine ,  l83I-l835'  During  its  appearance 
Marryat  printed  in  the  same  magazine  (in  1833)  a  drama, 
The  Monk  of  Seville,  of  which  the  plot  is  almost  exactly 
identical  with  The  Story  of  the  Monk  (p.  44).  "Port  Royal 
Tom,"  the  shark,  and  his  Government  pension,  also  appear 
in  Jacob  Faithful,  Chap.  xxv. 

The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  is  here  printed,  with  a  few 
corrections,  from  the  second  edition  in  3  vols.  A.  K. 
Newman  &  Co.,  1844. 

R.B.J 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 


Chapter  I 

Every  one  acquainted  with  the  manners  and  customs  of 
the  East  must  be  aware,  that  there  is  no  situation  of 
eminence  more  unstable,  or  more  dangerous  to  its  possessor, 
than  that  of  a  pacha.  Nothing,  perhaps,  affords  us  more 
convincing  proof  of  the  risk  which  men  will  incur,  to 
obtain  a  temporary  authority  over  their  fellow-creatures, 
than  the  avidity  with  which  this  office  is  accepted  from 
the  sultan ;  who,  within  the  memory  of  the  new  occupant, 
has  consigned  scores  of  his  predecessors  to  the  bowstring. 
It  would  almost  appear,  as  if  the  despot  but  elevated  a 
head  from  the  crowd,  that  he  might  obtain  a  more  fair  and 
uninterrupted  sweep  for  his  scimitar,  when  he  cut  it  off ; 
only  exceeded  in  his  peculiar  taste  by  the  king  of  Dahomy, 
who  is  said  to  ornament  the  steps  of  his  palace  with  heads, 
fresh  severed,  each  returning  sun,  as  we  renew  the  de- 
coration of  our  apartments  from  our  gay  parterres.  I 
make  these  observations,  that  I  may  not  be  accused  of  a 
disregard  to  chronology,  in  not  precisely  stating  the  year, 
or  rather  the  months,  during  which  flourished  one  of  a 
race,  who,  like  the  flowers  of  th-e  Cistus,  one  morning  in 
all  their  splendour,  on  the  next,  are  strewed  lifeless  on 
the  ground  to  make  room  for  their  successors.  Speaking 
of  such  ephemeral  creations,  it  will  be  quite  sufficient  to 
say,  "  There  ivas  a  Pacha." 

Would  you  inquire  by  what  means  he  was  raised  to  the 
distinction?     It  is  an  idle  question.     In  this  world,  pre- 
p  A 


2  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

eminence  over  your  fellow-creatures  can  only  be  obtained, 
by  leaving  others  far  behind  in  the  career  of  virtue  or  of 
vice.  In  compliance  with  the  dispositions  of  those  who 
rule,  faithful  service  in  the  one  path  or  the  other  will 
shower  honour  upon  the  subject,  and  by  the  breath  of 
kings  he  becomes  ennobled  to  look  down  upon  his  former 
equals. 

And  as  the  world  spins  round,  the  ivhy  is  of  little 
moment.  The  honours  are  bequeathed,  but  not  the  good,  or 
the  evil  deeds,  or  the  talents  by  which  they  were  obtained. 
In  the  latter,  we  have  but  a  life  interest,  for  the  entail  is 
cut  off  by  death.  Aristocracy  in  all  its  varieties  is  as 
necessary,  for  the  well  binding  of  society,  as  the  divers 
grades  between  the  general  and  the  common  soldier  are 
essential  in  the  field.  Never  then  inquire,  why  this  or 
that  man  has  been  raised  above  his  fellows  ;  but,  each 
night  as  you  retire  to  bed,  thank  Heaven  that  you  are  not 
a  King. 

And  if  I  may  digress,  there  is  one  badge  of  honour  in 
our  country,  which  I  never  contemplate  without  serious 
reflection  rising  in  my  mind.  It  is  the  bloody  hand  in  the 
dexter  chief  of  a  baronet, — now  often  worn,  I  grant,  by 
those  who,  perhaps,  during  their  whole  lives  have  never 
raised  their  hands  in  anger.  But  my  thoughts  have 
returned  to  days  of  yore — the  iron  days  of  ironed  men, 
when  it  was  the  symbol  of  faithful  service  in  the  field — 
when  it  really  was  bestowed  upon  the  "  hand  embrued 
in  blood ;'"  and  I  have  meditated,  whether  that  hand,  dis- 
played with  exultation  in  this  world,  may  not  be  held  up 
trembling  in  the  next — in  judgment  against  itself. 

And  I,  whose  memory  stepping  from  one  legal  murder 
to  another,  can  walk  dry-footed  over  the  broad  space  of 
five-and-twenty  years  of  time, — but  the  "  damned  spots  " 
won't  come  out — so  I'll  put  my  hands  in  my  pockets  and 
walk  on. 

Conscience,  fortunately  or  unfortunately,  I  hardly  can 
tell  which,  permits  us  to  form  political  and  religious 
creeds,  most  suited  to  disguise  or  palliate  our  sins.     Mine 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  5 

is  a  military  conscience,  and  I  agree  with  Bates  and 
Williams,  who  flourished  in  the  time  of  Henry  V.,  that  it 
is  "all  upon  the  King:"  that  is  to  say,  it  ivas  all  upon 
the  king ;  and  now  our  constitution  has  become  so  incom- 
parably perfect,  that  "  the  king  can  do  no  wrong ; "  and 
he  has  no  difficulty  in  finding  ministers,  who  voluntarily 
impignorating  themselves  for  all  his  actions  in  this  world, 
will,  in  all  probability,  not  escape  from  the  clutches  of  the 
great  Pawnbroker  in  the  next — from  which  facts  I  draw 
the  following  conclusions  : — 

1st.  That  his  Majesty  (God  bless  him!)  will  go  to 
heaven. 

2ndly.  That  his  Majesty's  ministers  will  all  go  to  the 
devil. 

3rdly.  That  I  shall  go on  with  my  story. 

As,  however,  a  knowledge  of  the  previous  history  of 
our  pacha  will  be  necessary  to  the  development  of  our 
story,  the  reader  will  in  this  instance  be  indulged.  He 
had  been  brought  up  to  the  profession  of  a  barber;  but, 
possessing  great  personal  courage,  he  headed  a  popular 
commotion  in  favour  of  his  predecessor,  and  was  rewarded 
by  a  post  of  some  importance  in  the  army.  Successful  ia 
detached  service,  while  his  general  was  unfortunate  in  the 
field,  he  was  instructed  to  take  off  the  head  of  his  com- 
mander, and  head  the  troops  in  his  stead ;  both  of  which 
services  he  performed  with  equal  skill  and  celerity. 
Success  attended  him,  and  the  pacha,  his  predecessor, 
having  in  his  opinion,  as  well  as  in  that  of  the  sultan, 
remained  an  unusual  time  in  office,  by  an  accusation 
enforced  by  a  thousand  purses  of  gold,  he  was  enabled  to 
produce  a  bowstring  for  his  benefactor ;  and  the  sultan's 
"  firman "  appointed  him  to  the  vacant  pachalik.  His 
qualifications  for  office  were  all  superlative  :  he  was  very 
short,  very  corpulent,  very  illiterate,  very  irascible,  and 
very  stupid. 

On  the  morning  after  his  investment,  he  was  under  the 
hands  of  his  barber,  a  shrewd  intelligent  Greek,  Mustapha 
by  name.    Barbers  are  privileged  persons  for  many  reasons : 


4  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

running  from  one  employer  to  another  to  obtain  their 
livelihood,  they  also  obtain  matter  for  conversation,  which, 
impertinent  as  it  may  sometimes  be,  serves  to  beguile  the 
tedium  of  an  operation  which  precludes  the  use  of  any 
organ  except  the  ear.  Moreover,  we  are  inclined  to  be  on 
good  terms  with  a  man,  who  has  it  in  his  power  to  cut  our 
throats  whenever  he  pleases — to  wind  up,  the  personal 
liberties  arising  from  his  profession,  render  all  others 
trifling ;  for  the  man  who  takes  his  sovereign  by  the  nose, 
cannot  well  after  that  be  denied  the  liberty  of  speech. 

Mustapha  was  a  Greek  by  birth,  and  inherited  all  the 
intelligence  and  adroitness  of  his  race.  He  had  been 
brought  up  to  his  profession  when  a  slave ;  but  at  the  age 
of  nineteen,  he  accompanied  his  master  on  board  of  a 
merchant  vessel  bound  to  Scio ;  this  vessel  was  taken  by  a 
pirate,  and  Demetrius  (for  such  was  his  real  name)  joined 
this  band  of  miscreants,  and  very  faithfully  served  his 
apprenticeship  to  cutting  throats,  until  the  vessel  was 
captured  by  an  English  frigate.  Being  an  active,  intelli- 
gent person,  he  was,  at  his  own  request,  allowed  to  remain 
on  board  as  one  of  the  ship's  company,  assisted  in  several 
actions,  and  after  three  years  went  to  England,  where  the 
ship  was  paid  off.  For  some  time,  Demetrius  tried  to 
make  his  fortune,  but  without  success,  and  it  was  not 
until  he  was  reduced  to  nearly  his  last  shilling,  that  he 
commenced  the  trade  of  hawking  rhubarb  about  in  a  box : 
which  speculation  turned  so  profitable,  that  he  was 
enabled  in  a  short  time  to  take  his  passage  in  a  vessel 
bound  to  Smyrna,  his  own  country.  This  vessel  was 
captured  by  a  French  privateer ;  he  was  landed,  and,  not 
being  considered  as  a  prisoner,  allowed  to  act  as  he  thought 
proper.  In  a  short  time  he  obtained  the  situation  of  valet 
and  barber  to  a  "  millionaire,"  whom  he  contrived  to  rob 
of  a  few  hundred  Napoleons,  and  with  them  to  make  his 
escape  to  his  own  country.  Demetrius  had  now  some 
knowledge  of  the  world,  and  he  felt  it  necessary  that  he 
should  become  a  True  Believer,  as  there  would  be  more 
chance  of  his  advancement  in  a  Turkish  country.     He  dis- 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  5 

missed  the  patriarch  to  the  devil,  and  took  up  the  turban 
and  Mahomet ;  then  quitting  the  scene  of  his  apostasy, 
recommenced  his  profession  of  barber  in  the  territory  of 
the  pacha ;  whose  good-will  he  had  obtained  previous  to 
the  latter's  advancement  to  the  pachalik. 

"  Mustapha,*'  observed  the  pacha,  "  thou  knowest  that 
I  have  taken  off  the  heads  of  all  those  who  left  their 
slippers  at  the  door  of  the  late  pacha." 

"  Allah  Kebur  !  God  is  most  powerful !  So  perish  the 
enemies  of  your  sublime  highness.  Were  they  not  the 
sons  of  Shitan  ?  "  replied  Mustapha. 

"  Very  true ;  but,  Mustapha,  the  consequence  is  that  I 
am  in  want  of  a  vizier ;  and  whom  do  I  know  equal  to  that 
office  ? " 

"  While  your  sublime  highness  is  pacha,  is  not  a  child 
equal  to  the  office  ?  Who  stumbles,  when  guided  by  un- 
erring wisdom  ? " 

"  I  know  that  very  well,"  replied  the  pacha  ;  **  but  if  I 
am  always  to  direct  him,  I  might  as  well  be  vizier  myself; 
besides,  I  shall  have  no  one  to  blame,  if  affairs  go  wrong 
with  the  Sultan.  Inshallah  !  please  the  Lord,  the  vizier's 
head  may  sometimes  save  my  own." 

"  Are  we  not  as  dogs  before  you  ?  "  replied  Mustapha  r 
"happy  the  man,  who,  by  oiFering  his  own  head  may 
preserve  that  of  your  sublime  highness  !  It  ought  to  be 
the  proudest  day  of  his  life." 

"  At  all  events  it  would  be  the  last,"  rejoined  the 
pacha. 

"  May  it  please  your  sublime  highness,"  observed 
Mustapha,  after  a  pause,  "if  your  slave  may  be  so 
honoured  as  to  speak  in  your  presence,  a  vizier  should  be 
a  person  of  great  tact ;  he  should  be  able  to  draw  the  line 
as  nicely  as  I  do  when  I  shave  your  sublime  head,  leaving 
not  a  vestige  of  the  hair,  yet  entering  not  upon  the  skin." 

"  Very  true,  Mustapha." 

**  He  should  have  a  sharp  eye  for  the  disaffected  to  the 
government,  selecting  them  and  removing  them  from  among 
the  crowd,  as  I  do  the  few  white  hairs  which  presume  to 


6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

make  their  appearance  ia  your  sublime  and  magnificent 
beard." 

"  Very  true,  Mustapha." 

"He  should  carefully  remove  all  impurities  from  the 
state,  as  I  have  this  morning  from  your  sublime  ears." 

"  Very  true,  Mustapha." 

"  He  should  be  well  acquainted  with  the  secret  springs 
of  action,  as  I  have  proved  myself  to  be  in  the  shampooing 
which  your  sublime  highness  has  just  received." 

"  Very  true,  Mustapha." 

"  Moreover,  he  should  be  ever  grateful  to  your  high- 
ness for  the  distinguished  honour  conferred  upon 
him." 

"  All  that  you  say  is  very  true,  Mustapha,  but  where  am 
I  to  meet  with  such  a  man  ?  " 

"  This  world  is  convenient  in  some  points,"  continued 
Mustapha ;  "  if  you  want  either  a  fool  or  a  knave,  you 
have  not  far  to  go  to  find  them  ;  but  it  is  no  easy  task  to 
select  the  person  you  require.     I  know  but  one." 

'*  And  who  is  he  ?  " 

"  One  whose  head  is  but  as  your  footstool,"  answered 
the  barber,  prostrating  himself, — "  your  sublime  highness's 
most  devoted  slave,  Mustapha." 

"Holy  Prophet!  Then  you  mean  yourself! — Well, 
now  I  think  of  it,  if  one  barber  can  become  a  pacha,  I  do 
not  see  why  another  would  not  make  a  vizier.  But  then 
what  am  I  to  do  for  a  barber  ?  No,  no,  Mustapha ;  a  good 
vizier  is  easy  to  be  found,  but  a  good  barber,  you  know 
as  well  as  I  do,  requires  some  talent." 

"  Your  slave  is  aware  of  that,"  replied  Mustapha,  **  but 
he  has  travelled  in  other  countries,  where  it  is  no  uncom- 
mon circumstance  for  men  to  hold  more  than  one  office 
under  government  j  sometimes  much  more  incompatible 
than  those  of  barber  and  vizier,  which  are  indeed  closely 
connected.  The  affairs  of  most  nations  are  settled  by  the 
potentates  during  their  toilet.  While  I  am  shaving  the 
head  of  your  sublime  highness,  I  can  receive  your  com- 
mands to  take  off  the  heads  of  others  5  and  you  can  have 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  7 

your  person  and  your  state  both  put  in  order  at  the  same 
moment." 

"Very  true,  Mustapha;  then,  on  condition  that  you 
continue  your  office  of  barber,  I  have  no  objection  to  throw 
that  of  vizier  into  the  bargain." 

Mustapha  again  prostrated  himself,  with  his  tweezers  in 
his  hand.     He  then  rose,  and  continued  his  office. 

*'  You  can  write,  Mustapha,"  observed  the  pacha,  after 
a  short  silence. 

"  Min  Allah  !  God  forbid  that  I  should  acknowledge  it, 
or  I  should  consider  myself  as  unfit  to  assume  the  office  in 
which  your  sublime  highness  has  invested  me." 

"  Although  unnecessary  for  me,  I  thought  it  might  be 
requisite  for  a  vizier,"  observed  the  pacha. 

"  Reading  may  be  necessary,  I  will  allow,"  replied 
Mustapha  -,  "  but  I  trust  I  can  soon  prove  to  your  highness 
that  writing  is  as  dangerous  as  it  is  useless.  More  men 
have  been  ruined  by  that  unfortunate  acquirement,  than 
by  any  other ;  and  dangerous  as  it  is  to  all,  it  is  still  more 
dangerous  to  men  in  high  power.  For  instance,  your 
sublime  highness  sends  a  message  in  writing,  which  is  ill- 
received,  and  it  is  produced  against  you ;  but  had  it  been 
a  verbal  message,  you  could  deny  it,  and  bastinado  to  death 
the  Tartar  who  carried  it,  as  a  proof  of  your  sincerity, 

"  Very  true,  Mustapha." 

**  The  grandfather  of  your  slave,"  continued  the  barber- 
vizier,  "  held  the  situation  of  receiver-general  at  the 
custom-house  ;  and  he  was  always  in  a  fury  when  he  was 
obliged  to  take  up  the  pen.  It  was  his  creed,  that  no 
government  could  prosper  when  writing  was  in  general 
use.  *  Observe,  Mustapha,'  said  he  to  me  one  day,  *  here 
is  the  curse  of  writing,— for  all  the  money  which  is  paid  in, 
I  am  obliged  to  give  a  receipt.  What  is  the  consequence  ? 
that  government  loses  many  thousand  sequins  every  year ; 
for  when  I  apply  to  them  for  a  second  payment,  they 
produce  their  receipt.  Now  if  it  had  not  been  for  this 
cursed  invention  of  writing,  Inshallah !  they  should  have 
paid  twice,  if  not  thrice   over.     Remember,  Mustapha,' 


8  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

continued  he,  *  that  reading  and  writing  only  clog  the 
wheels  of  government.' " 

"  Very  true,  Mustapha,"  observed  the  pacha,  "  then  we 
will  have  no  writing." 

**  Yes,  your  sublime  highness,  every  thing  in  writing 
from  others,  but  nothing  in  writing  from  ourselves.  I 
have  a  young  Greek  slave,  who  can  be  employed  in  these 
matters.  He  reads  well.  I  have  lately  employed  him  in 
reading  to  me  the  stories  of  *  Thousand  and  one  Nights.' " 

"Stories,"  cried  the  pacha;  "what  are  they  about? 
I  never  heard  of  them  ;  I'm  very  fond  of  stories." 

"  If  it  would  pleasure  your  sublime  highness  to  hear  these 
stories  read,  the  slave  will  wait  your  commands,"  replied 
the  vizier. 

**  Bring  him  this  evening,  Mustapha ;  we  will  smoke  a 
pipe,  and  listen  to  them  ;  I'm  very  fond  of  stories — they 
always  send  me  to  sleep." 

The  business  of  the  day  was  transacted  with  admirable 
precision  and  despatch  by  the  two  quondam  barbers,  who 
proved  how  easy  it  is  to  govern,  where  there  are  not 
**  three  estates  "  to  confuse  people.  They  sat  in  the  divan 
as  highwaymen  loiter  on  the  road,  and  it  was  "  Your 
money  or  your  life  *'  to  all  who  made  their  appearance. 

At  the  usual  hour  the  court  broke  up,  the  guards 
retired,  the  money  was  carried  to  the  treasury,  the  exe- 
cutioner wiped  his  sword,  and  the  lives  of  the  pacha's 
subjects  wer^  considered  to  be  in  a  state  of  comparative 
security,  until  the  affairs  of  the  country  were  again 
brought  under  their  cognizance  on  the  ensuing  day. 

In  obedience  to  the  wish  expressed  by  the  pacha, 
Mustapha  made  his  appearance  in  the  afternoon  with  the 
young  Greek  slave.  The  new  vizier  having  taken  a  seat 
upon  a  cushion  at  the  feet  of  the  pacha,  the  pipes  were 
lighted,  and  the  slave  was  directed  to  proceed. 

The  Greek  had  arrived  to  the  end  of  the  First  Night, 
in  which  Schezehezerade  commences  her  story,  and  the 
Sultan,  who  was  anxious  to  hear  the  termination  of  it, 
defers  her  execution  to  the  following  day. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  9 

*'  Stop,"  cried  the  pacha,  taking  the  pipe  from  his  lips ; 
"  how  long  before  the  break  of  day  did  that  girl  call  her 
sister  ? " 

"  About  half  an  hour,  your  sublime  highness." 

**  Wallah  !  is  that  all  she  could  tell  of  her  story  in  half 
an  hour  ? — There's  not  a  woman  in  my  harem  who  would 
not  say  as  much  in  five  minutes." 

The  pacha  was  so  amused  with  the  stories,  that  he 
never  once  felt  inclined  to  sleep  ;  on  the  contrary,  the 
Greek  slave  was  compelled  to  read  every  afternoon,  until 
his  legs  were  so  tired  that  he  could  hardly  stand,  and  his 
tongue  almost  refused  its  office ;  consequently,  they  were 
soon  finished;  and  Mustapha  not  being  able  to  procure 
any  more,  they  were  read  a  second  time.  After  which 
the  pacha,  who  felt  the  loss  of  his  evening's  amusement, 
became  first  puzzled  how  to  pass  away  his  time ;  then 
he  changed  to  hypochondriacism,  and  finally  became  so 
irritable,  that  even  Mustapha  himself,  at  times,  approached 
him  with  some  degree  of  awe. 

"I  have  been  thinking,"  observed  the  pacha,  one 
morning,  when  under  the  hands  of  Mustapha,  in  his 
original  capacity,  **  that  it  would  be  as  easy  for  me  to 
have  stories  told  me,  as  the  caliph  in  the  Arabian  Nights." 

"I  wonder  not  that  your  highness  should  desire  it. 
Those  stories  are  as  the  opium  to  Theriarkis,  filling  the 
soul  with  visions  of  delight  at  the  moment,  but  leaving 
it  palsied  from  over-excitement,  when  their  effect  has 
passed  away.  How  does  your  sublime  highness  propose 
to  obtain  your  end ;  and  in  what  manner  can  your  slave 
assist  to  produce  your  wishes  ? " 

"  I  shall  manage  it  without  assistance ;  come  this  even- 
ing and  you  shall  see,  Mustapha." 

Mustapha  made  his  appearance  in  the  afternoon,  and 
the  pacha  smoked  his  pipe  for  some  time,  and  appeared 
as  if  communing  with  himself;  he  then  laid  it  down,  and 
clapping  his  hands,  desired  one  of  the  slaves  to  in- 
form his  favourite  lady,  Zeinab,  that  he  desired  her 
presence. 


10  The  Pacha  of  Many  Taletj 

Zeinab  entered  with  her  veil  down.  "  Your  slave 
attends  the  pleasure  of  her  lord." 

"  Zeinab,"  said  the  pacha,  "  do  you  love  me  ? " 

"  Do  not  I  worship  the  dust  that  my  lord  treads  on  ?  " 

"  Very  true — then  I  have  a  favour  to  request — observe, 
Zeinab — it  is  my  wish  that " — (here  the  pacha  took  a  few 
whiffs  from  his  pipe — )  "The  fact  is — I  wish  you  to 
dishonour  my  harem  as  soon  as  possible." 

"Wallah  sel  Nebi !  ! — by  Allah  and  the  Prophet! 
your  highness  is  in  a  merry  huniour  this  evening,"  replied 
Zeinab,  turning  round  to  quit  the  apartment. 

"  On  the  contrary,  I  am  in  a  serious  humour  ;  I  mean 
what  I  have  said  j  and  I  expect  that  you  will  comply  with 
my  wishes." 

**  Is  my  lord  mad  ?  or  has  he  indulged  too  freely  in  the 
juice  of  the  grape  forbidden  by  our  prophet  ?  Allah 
Kebur  !  God  is  most  powerful — The  Hakim  must  be 
sent  for." 

"  Will  you  do  as  I  order  you  ?  "  said  the  pacha,  angrily. 

"  Does  my  lord  send  for  his  slave  to  insult  her  !  My 
blood  is  as  water,  at  the  dreadful  thought  ! — Dishonour 
the  harem  ! — Min  Allah  !  God  forbid  ! — Would  not  the 
eunuch  be  ready  and  the  sack  ?  " 

"  Yes,  they  would,  I  acknowledge  j  but  still  it  must 
be  done." 

"It  shall  not  be  done,"  replied  the  lady: — "Has  my 
lord  been  visited  by  heaven  ?  or  is  he  possessed  by  the 
Shitan  ? " — And  the  lady  burst  into  tears  of  rage  and 
vexation  as  she  quitted  the  apartment. 

"  There's  obstinacy  for  you — women  are  nothing  but 
opposition.  If  you  wish  them  to  be  faithful,  they  try 
day  and  night  to  deceive  you ;  give  them  their  desires 
and  tell  them  to  be  false,  they  will  refuse.  All  was 
arranged  so  well,  I  should  have  cut  off  all  their  heads, 
and  had  a  fresh  wife  every  night  until  I  found  one  who 
could  tell  stories  ;  then  I  should  have  rose  up  and  deferred 
her  execution  to  the  following  day." 

Mustapha,  who  had  been  laughing  in  his  sleeve  at  the 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ii 

strange  idea  of  the  pacha,  was  nevertheless  not  a  little 
alarmed.  He  perceived  that  the  mania  had  such  complete 
possession,  that,  unless  appeased,  the  results  might  prove 
unpleasant  even  to  himself.  It  occurred  to  him,  that  a 
course  might  be  pursued  to  gratify  the  pacha's  wishes, 
without  proceeding  to  such  violent  measures.  Waiting 
a  little  while  until  the  colour,  which  had  suffused  the 
pacha's  face  from  anger  and  disappointment,  had  subsided, 
he  addressed  him : 

"  The  plan  of  your  sublime  highness  was  such  as  was 
to  be  expected  from  the  immensity  of  your  wisdom  ;  but 
hath  not  the  prophet  warned  us,  that  the  wisest  of  men 
are  too  often  thwarted  by  the  folly  and  obstinacy  of  the 
other  sex.  May  your  slave  venture  to  observe,  that  many 
very  fine  stories  were  obtained  by  the  caliph  Haroun,  and 
his  vizier  Mesrour,  as  they  walked  through  the  city  in 
disguise.  In  all  probability  a  similar  result  might  be 
produced,  if  your  highness  were  to  take  the  same  step, 
accompanied  by  the  lowest  of  your  slaves,  Mustapha." 

"Very  true,"  replied  the  pacha,  delighted  at  the 
prospect,  "  prepare  two  disguises,  and  we  will  set  off 
in  less  than  an  hour — Inshallah,  please  the  Lord,  we 
have  at  last  hit  upon  the  right  path." 

Mustapha,  who  was  glad  to  direct  the  ideas  of  the 
pacha  into  a  more  harmless  channel,  procured  the  dresses 
of  two  merchants,  (for  such,  he  observed,  were  the  usual 
habiliments  put  on  by  the  caliph  and  his  vizier  in  the 
Arabian  Nights),  and  he  was  aware  that  his  master's 
vanity  would  be  gratified  at  the  idea  of  imitating  so 
celebrated  a  personage. 

It  was  dusk  when  they  set  off  upon  their  adventures. 
Mustapha  directed  some  slaves  well  armed  to  follow  at 
a  distance,  in  case  their  assistance  might  be  required. 
The  strict  orders  which  had  been  issued  on  the  accession 
of  the  new  pacha  (to  prevent  any  riot  or  popular  com- 
motion), which  were  enforced  by  constant  rounds  of  the 
soldiers  on  guard,  occasioned  the  streets  to  be  quite 
deserted. 


1 2  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

For  some  time  the  pacha  and  Mustapha  walked  up  one 
street  and  down  another,  without  meeting  with  anything 
or  any  body  that  could  administer  to  their  wishes.  The 
former,  who  had  not  lately  been  accustomed  to  pedestrian 
exercise,  began  to  puff  and  show  symptoms  of  weariness 
and  disappointment,  when  at  the  corner  of  a  street  they 
fell  in  with  two  men,  who  were  seated  in  conversation ; 
and  as  they  approached  softly,  one  of  them  said  to  the 
other,  "  I  tell  you,  Coja,  that  happy  is  the  man  who  can 
always  command  a  hard  crust  like  this,  which  is  now 
wearing  away  my  teeth." 

"  I  must  know  the  reason  of  that  remark,"  said  the 
pacha ;  **  Mesrour  (Mustapha,  I  mean),  you  will  bring 
that  man  to  me  to-morrow,  after  the  divan  is  closed." 

Mustapha  bowed  in  acquiescence,  and  directing  the 
slaves  who  were  in  attendance  to  take  the  man  into 
custody,  followed  the  pacha,  who,  fatigued  with  his 
unusual  excursion,  and  satisfied  with  the  prospect  of 
success,  now  directed  his  steps  to  the  palace  and  retired 
to  bed.  Zeinab,  who  had  lain  awake  until  her  eyes 
could  remain  open  no  longer,  with  the  intention  of 
reading  him  a  lecture  upon  decency  and  sobriety,  had 
at  last  fallen  asleep,  and  the  tired  pacha  was  therefore 
permitted  to  do  the  same. 

When  Mustapha  arrived  at  his  own  abode,  he  desired 
that  the  person  who  had  been  detained  should  be  brought 
to  him. 

**  My  good  man,"  said  the  vizier,  "you  made  an  observa- 
tion this  evening  which  was  overheard  by  his  highness  the 
pacha,  who  wishes  to  be  acquainted  with  your  reasons  for 
stating  *  that  happy  was  the  man  who  could  at  all  times 
command  a  hard  crust,  like  that  which  was  wearing  away 
your  teeth.' " 

The  man  fell  down  on  his  knees  in  trepidation.  "  I 
do  declare  to  your  highness,  by  the  camel  of  the  Holy 
Prophet,"  said  he,  in  a  faltering  voice,  "  that  I  neither 
meant  treason,  nor  disaffection  to  the  government." 

"  Slave  !  I  am  not  quite  sure  of  that,"  replied  Mustapha,. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  13 

with  a  stern  look,  in  hopes  of  frightening  the  man  into 
a  compliance  with  his  wishes — "  there  was  something 
very  enigmatical  in  those  words.  Your  *  hard  crust '  may 
mean  his  sublime  highness  the  pacha ;  *  wearing  away 
your  teeth '  may  imply  exactions  from  the  government ; 
and  as  you  affirmed  that  he  was  happy  who  could  cojn- 
mand  the  hard  crust — why  it  is  as  much  as  to  say  that 
you  would  be  very  glad  to  create  a  rebellion." 

**  Holy  Prophet !  May  the  soul  of  your  slave  never 
enter  the  first  heaven,"  replied  the  man,  "  if  he  meant 
anything  more  than  what  he  said ;  and  if  your  highness 
had  been  as  often  without  a  mouthful  of  bread  as  your 
slave  has  been,  you  would  agree  with  him  in  the  justice 
of  the  remark." 

"  It  is  of  little  consequence  whether  I  agree  with  you 
or  not,"  replied  the  vizier  ;  "  I  have  only  to  tell  you  that 
his  sublime  highness  the  pacha  will  not  be  satisfied,  unless 
you  explain  away  the  remark,  by  relating  to  him  some 
stor4y  connected  with  the  observation." 

"  Min  Allah  !  God  forbid  that  your  slave  should  tell 
a  story  to  deceive  his  highness." 

"  The  Lord  have  mercy  upon  you  if  you  do  not," 
replied  the  vizier  ;  **  but,  to  be  brief,  if  you  can  invent  a 
good  and  interesting  story,  you  will  remove  the  suspicions 
of  the  pacha,  and  probably  be  rewarded  with  a  few  pieces 
of  gold  J  if  you  cannot,  you  must  prepare  for  the  bastinado, 
if  not  for  death.  You  will  not  be  required  to  appear  in 
the  sublime  presence  before  to-morrow  afternoon,  and  will 
therefore  have  plenty  of  time  to  invent  one." 

"  Will  your  highness  permit  your  slave  to  go  home  and 
consult  his  wife  ?  "Women  have  a  great  talent  for  story- 
telling. With  her  assistance  he  may  be  able  to  comply 
with  your  injunctions." 

"  No,"  replied  Mustapha,  "  you  must  remain  in  custody  ; 
but,  as  on  this  occasion  she  may  be  of  the  greatest  assist- 
ance to  you,  you  may  send  for  her.  They  have  indeed 
a  talent !  As  the  young  crocodile,  from  instinct,  runs 
into  the  Nile  as  soon  as  it  bursts  its  shell,  so  does  woman, 


14  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

from  her  nature,  plunge  into  deceit,  before  even  her 
tongue  can  give  utterance  to  the  Hes  which  her  fertile 
imagination  has  already  conceived." 

And  with  this  handsome  compliment  to  the  sex,. 
Mustapha  gave  his  final  orders  and  retired. 

Whether  the  unfortunate  man,  thus  accused  of  treason, 
derived  any  benefit  from  being  permitted  to  "  retain 
counsel,"  will  be  shown  by  the  following  story,  which 
he  told  to  the  pacha  when  summoned  on  the  ensuing 
day. 

STORY    OF   THE    CAMEL-DRIVER. 

That  your  highness  should  wish  for  an  explanation  of 
the  very  doubtful  language  which  you  overheard  last 
night,  I  am  not  surprised ;  but  I  trust  you  will  acknow- 
ledge, when  I  have  finished  my  narrative,  that  I  was  fully 
justified  in  the  expressions  which  I  made  use  of.  I  am 
by  birth  (as  my  dress  denotes)  a  Fellah  of  this  country, 
but  I  was  not  always  so  poor  as  I  am  now.  My  father 
was  the  possessor  of  many  camels,  which  he  let  out  for 
hire  to  the  merchants  of  the  different  caravans  which 
annually  leave  this  city.  "When  he  died,  I  came  into 
possession  of  his  property,  and  the  good-will  of  those 
whom  he  had  most  faithfully  served.  The  consequence 
was,  that  I  had  full  employ,  my  camels  were  always 
engaged,  and,  as  I  invariably  accompanied  them  that  they 
might  not  be  ill-treated,  I  have  several  times  been  to 
Mecca,  as  this  ragged  green  turban  will  testify.  My  life 
was  one  of  alternate  difiiculty  and  enjoyment.  I  returned 
to  my  wife  and  children  with  delight  after  my  journeys 
of  suffering  and  privation,  and  fully  appreciated  the  value 
of  my  home  from  the  short  time  that  my  occupation 
would  permit  me  to  remain  there.  I  worked  hard  and 
became  rich. 

It  was  during  a  painful  march  through  the  Desert  with 
one  of  the  caravans,  that  a  favourite  she-camel  foaled.  At 
first  it  was  my  intention  to  leave  the  young  one  to  its  fate. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  15 

as  my  camels  had  already  suffered  much ;  but,  on  examina- 
tion, the  creature  showed  such  strength  and  symmetry  that 
I  resolved  to  bring  it  up.  I  therefore  divided  half  of  one 
of  the  loads  between  the  other  camels,  and  tied  the  foal 
upon  the  one  which  I  had  partly  relieved  for  the  purpose. 
We  arrived  safely  at  Cairo  ;  and,  as  the  little  animal  grew 
up,  I  had  more  than  ever  reason  to  be  satisfied  that  I  had 
saved  its  life.  All  good  judges  considered  it  a  prodigy  of 
beauty  and  strength,  and  prophesied  that  it  would  some 
day  be  selected  as  the  holy  camel,  to  carry  the  Koran  in  the 
pilgrimage  to  Mecca.  And  so  it  did  happen  about  five 
years  afterwards,  during  which  interval  I  accompanied  the 
caravans  as  before,  and  each  year  added  to  my  wealth. 

My  camel  had  by  this  time  arrived  to  his  full  perfection  ; 
he  stood  nearly  three  feet  higher  than  any  other  •,  and, 
when  the  caravan  was  preparing,  I  led  him  to  the  sheiks, 
and  offered  him  as  a  candidate  for  the  honour.  They 
would  have  accepted  him  immediately,  had  it  not  been  for 
a  Maribout,  who,  for  some  reason  or  another,  desired  them 
not  to  employ  him,  asserting  that  the  caravan  would  be 
unlucky  if  my  camel  was  the  bearer  of  the  holy  Koran. 

As  this  man  was  considered  to  be  a  prophet,  the  sheiks 
were  afraid,  and  would  not  give  a  decided  answer. 
Irritated  at  the  Maribout's  interference,  I  reviled  him  •,  he 
raised  a  hue  and  cry  against  me ;  and,  being  joined  by  the 
populace,  I  was  nearly  killed.  As  I  hastened  away,  the 
wretch  threw  some  sand  after  me,  crying  out,  "  Thus  shall 
the  caravan  perish  from  the  judgment  of  heaven,  if  that 
cursed  camel  is  permitted  to  carry  the  holy  word  of  the 
prophet."  The  consequence  was,  that  an  inferior  camel 
was  selected,  and  I  was  disappointed.  But  on  the  ensuing 
year  the  Maribout  was  not  at  Cairo  ;  and,  as  there  was  no 
animal  equal  to  mine  in  beauty,  it  was  chosen  by  the  sheiks 
without  a  dissentient  voice. 

I  hastened  home  to  my  wife,  overjoyed  with  my  good 
fortune,  which  I  hoped  would  bring  a  blessing  upon  my 
house.  She  was  equally  delighted,  and  my  beautiful 
camel  seemed  also  to  be  aware  of  the  honour  to  which  he 


i6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

was  destined,  as  he  repaid  our  caresses,  curving  and  twist- 
ing his  long  neck,  and  laying  his  head  upon  our  shoulders. 

The  caravan  assembled  :  it  was  one  of  the  largest  which 
for  many  years  had  quitted  Cairo,  amounting  in  all  to 
eighteen  thousand  camels.  You  may  imagine  my  pride 
when,  as  the  procession  passed  through  the  streets,  I 
pointed  out  to  my  wife  the  splendid  animal,  with  his  bridle 
studded  with  jewels  and  gold,  led  by  the  holy  sheiks  in 
their  green  robes,  carrying  on  his  back  the  chest  which 
contained  the  law  of  our  prophet,  looking  proudly  on  each 
side  of  him  as  he  walked  along,  accompanied  by  bands  of 
music,  and  the  loud  chorus  of  the  singing  men  and 
women. 

As  on  the  ensuing  day  the  caravan  was  to  form  outside 
of  the  town,  I  returned  home  to  my  family,  that  I  might 
have  the  last  of  their  company,  having  left  my  other 
camels,  who  were  hired  by  the  pilgrims,  in  charge  of  an 
assistant  who  accompanied  me  in  my  journeys.  The  next 
morning  I  bade  adieu  to  my  wife  and  children ;  and  was 
quitting  the  house,  when  my  youngest  child,  who  was 
about  two  years  old,  called  to  me,  and  begged  me  to  return 
one  moment,  and  give  her  a  farewell  caress.  As  I  lifted 
h-er  in  my  arms,  she,  as  usual,  put  her  hand  into  the 
pocket  of  my  loose  jacket  to  search,  as  I  thought,  for  the- 
fruit  that  I  usually  brought  home  for  her  when  I  returned 
from  the  bazaar ;  but  there  was  none  there :  and  having 
replaced  her  in  the  arms  of  her  mother,  I  hastened  away 
that  I  might  not  be  too  late  at  my  post.  Your  highness 
is  aware  that  we  do  not  march  one  following  another,  as 
most  caravans  do,  but  in  one  straight  line  abreast.  The 
necessary  arrangement  occupies  the  whole  day  previous 
to  the  commencement  of  our  journey,  which  takes  place 
immediately  after  the  sun  goes  down.  We  set  off  that 
evening,  and  after  a  march  of  two  nights,  arrived  at 
Adjeroid,  where  we  remained  three  days,  to  procure  our 
supplies  of  water  from  Suez,  and  to  refresh  the  animals, 
previous  to  our  forced  march  over  the  desert  of  El  Tyh. 

The  last  day  of  our  repose,  as  I  was  smoking  my  pipe, 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  17 

with  my  camels  kneeling  down  around  me,  I  perceived  a 
herie*  coming  from  the  direction  of  Cairo,  at  a  very  swift 
pace ;  it  passed  by  me  like  a  flash  of  lightning,  but  still  I 
had  sufficient  time  to  recognise  in  its  rider  the  Maribout 
who  had  prophesied  evil  if  my  camel  was  employed  to 
carry  the  Koran  on  the  pilgrimage  of  the  year  before. 

The  Maribout  stopped  his  dromedary  at  the  tent  of  the 
Emir  Hadjy,  who  commanded  the  caravan.  Anxious  to 
know  the  reason  of  his  following  us,  which  I  had  a  fore- 
boding was  connected  with  my  camel,  I  hastened  to  the 
spot.  I  found  him  haranguing  the  Emir  and  the  people 
who  had  surrounded  him,  denouncing  woe  and  death  to 
the  whole  caravan  if  my  camel  was  not  immediately 
destroyed,  and  another  selected  in  his  stead.  Having  for 
some  time  declaimed  in  such  an  energetic  manner  as  to 
spread  consternation  throughout  the  camp,  he  turned  his 
dromedary  again  to  the  west,  and  in  a  few  minutes  was 
out  of  sight. 

The  Emir  was  confused  ;  murmurings  and  consultations 
were  arising  among  the  crowd.  I  was  afraid  that  they 
would  listen  to  the  suggestions  of  the  Maribout ;  and, 
alarmed  for  my  camel,  and  the  loss  of  the  honour  con- 
ferred upon  him,  I  was  guilty  of  a  lie. 

**  O !  Emir,"  said  I,  "  listen  not  to  that  man  who  is 
mine  enemy :  he  came  to  my  house,  he  ate  of  my  bread, 
and  would  have  been  guilty  of  the  basest  ingratitude  by 
seducing  the  mother  of  my  children ;  I  drove  him  from 
my  door,  and  thus  would  he  revenge  himself.  So  may 
it  fare  with  me,  and  with  the  caravan,  as  I  speak  the 
truth." 

I  was  believed  ;  the  injunctions  of  the  Maribout  were 
disregarded,  and  that  night  we  proceeded  on  our  march 
through  the  plains  of  El  Tyh. 

As  your  highness  has  never  yet  made  a  pilgrimage,  you 
can  have  no  conception  of  the  country  which  we  had  to 
pass  through :  it  was  one  vast  region  of  sand,  where  the 
tracks  of  those  who  pass  over  it  are  obliterated  by  the 

*  A  swift  dromedary. 
P  B 


1 8  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

wind, — a  vast  sea  without  water, — an  expanse  of  desola- 
tion. "We  plunged  into  the  desert ;  and  as  the  enormous 
collection  of  animals,  extending  as  far  as  the  eye  could 
reach,  held  their  noiseless  way,  it  seemed  as  if  it  were  the 
passing  by  of  shadows. 

We  met  with  no  accident,  notwithstanding  the  prophecies 
of  the  Maribout ;  and,  after  a  fatiguing  march  of  seven 
nights,  arrived  safely  at  Nakhel,  where  we  replenished  our 
exhausted  water-skins.  Those  whom  I  knew  joked  with 
me,  when  we  met  at  the  wells,  at  the  false  prophecies  of 
my  enemy.  We  had  now  three  days  of  severe  fatigue  to 
encounter  before  we  arrived  at  the  castle  of  Akaba,  and 
we  recommenced  our  painful  journey. 

It  was  on  the  morning  of  the  second  day,  about  an  hour 
after  we  had  pitched  out  tents,  that  the  fatal  prophecy  of 
the  Maribout,  and  the  judgment  of  Allah  upon  me,  for  the 
lie  which  I  had  called  on  him  to  witness,  was  fulfilled. 

A  dark  cloud  appeared  upon  the  horizon ;  it  gradually 
increased,  changing  to  a  bright  yellow ;  then  rose  and  rose 
until  it  had  covered  one-half  of  the  firmament,  when  it 
suddenly  burst  upon  us  in  a  hurricane  which  carried  every 
thing  before  it,  cutting  off  mountains  of  sand  at  the  base, 
and  hurling  them  upon  our  devoted  heads.  The  splendid 
tent  of  the  Emir  which  first  submitted  to  the  blast,  passed 
close  to  me,  flying  along  with  the  velocity  of  the  herie, 
while  every  other  was  either  levelled  to  the  ground  or 
carried  up  into  the  air,  and  whirled  about  in  mad  gyration. 

Moving  pillars  of  sand  passed  over  us,  overthrowing 
and  suffocating  man  and  beast;  the  camels  thrust  their 
muzzles  into  the  ground,  and,  profiting  by  their  instinct, 
we  did  the  same,  awaiting  our  fate  in  silence  and  trepida- 
tion. But  the  simoom  had  not  yet  poured  upon  us  all  its 
horrors  :  in  a  few  minutes  nothing  was  to  be  distinguished, 
all  was  darkness,  horrible  darkness,  rendered  more  horrible 
by  the  ravings  of  dying  men,  the  screams  of  women,  and 
the  mad  career  of  horses  and  other  animals,  which  breaking 
their  cords,  trod  down  thousands  in  their  endeavours  to 
escape  from  the  overwhelming  fury  of  the  desert  storm. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  19 

I  had  laid  myself  down  by  one  of  my  camels,  and  thrust- 
ing my  head  under  his  side,  awaited  my  death  with  all  the 
horror  of  one  who  felt  that  the  wrath  of  heaven  was  justly 
poured  upon  him.  For  an  hour  I  remained  in  that  position, 
and  surely  there  can  be  no  pains  in  hell  greater  than  those 
which  I  suffered  during  that  space  of  time.  The  burning 
sand  forced  itself  into  my  garments,  the  pores  of  my  skin 
were  closed,  I  hardly  ventured  to  breathe  the  hot  blast 
which  was  offered  as  the  only  means  of  protracted  existence. 
At  last  I  fetched  my  respiration  with  greater  freedom,  and 
no  more  heard  the  howling  of  the  blast.  Gradually  I  lifted 
up  my  head,  but  my  eyes  had  lost  their  power,  I  could  dis- 
tinguish nothing  but  a  yellow  glare.  I  imagined  that  I  was 
blind,  and  what  chance  could  there  be  for  a  man  who  was 
blind  in  the  desert  of  El  Tyh  ^  Again  I  laid  my  head 
down,  thought  of  my  wife  and  children,  and  abandoning 
myself  to  despair,  I  wept  bitterly. 

The  tears  that  I  shed  had  a  resuscitating  effect  upon  my 
frame.  I  felt  revived,  and  again  lifted  up  my  head — I 
could  see  !  I  prostrated  myself  in  humble  thanksgiving  to 
Allah,  and  then  rose  upon  my  feet.  Yes,  I  could  see ;  but 
what  a  sight  was  presented  to  my  eyes !  I  could  have 
closed  them  for  ever  with  thankfulness.  The  sky  was 
again  serene,  and  the  boundless  prospect  uninterrupted  as 
before ;  but  the  thousands  who  accompanied  me,  the 
splendid  gathering  of  men  and  beasts,  where  were  they  ? 
Where  was  the  Emir  Hadjy  and  his  guards  ?  where  the 
mamelukes,  the  agas,  the  janissaries,  and  the  holy  sheiks  ? 
the  sacred  camel,  the  singers,  and  musicians  ?  the  varieties 
of  nations  and  tribes  who  had  joined  the  caravan  ?  All 
perished !  !  Mountains  of  sand  marked  the  spots  where 
they  had  been  entombed,  with  no  other  monuments  save 
here  and  there  part  of  the  body  of  a  man  or  beast  not  yet 
covered  by  the  desert  wave.  AH,  all  were  gone,  save  one  ; 
and  that  one,  that  guilty  one,  was  myself,  who  had  been 
permitted  to  exist,  that  he  might  behold  the  awful  mischief 
which  had  been  created  by  his  presumption  and  his  crime. 

For  some  minutes  I  contemplated  the  scene,  careless  and 


20  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

despairing  ;  for  I  imagined  that  I  had  only  been  permitted 
to  outlive  the  whole,  that  my  death  might  be  even  more 
terrible.  But  my  wife  and  children  rushed  to  my  memory, 
and  I  resolved  for  their  sakes  to  save,  if  possible,  a  life 
which  had  no  other  ties  to  bind  it  to  this  earth.  I  tore  off 
a  piece  of  my  turban,  and  cleansing  the  sand  out  of  my 
bleeding  nostrils,  walked  over  the  field  of  death. 

Between  the  different  hillocks  I  found  several  camels, 
which  had  not  been  covered.  Perceiving  a  water-skin,  I 
rushed  to  it,  that  I  might  quench  my  raging  thirst ;  but 
the  contents  had  been  dried  up— not  a  drop  remained.  I 
found  another,  but  I  had  no  better  success.  I  then  deter- 
mined to  open  one  of  the  bodies  of  the  camels,  and  obtain 
the  water  which  it  might  still  have  remaining  in  its 
stomach.  This  I  effected,  and  having  quenched  my 
thirst — to  which  even  the  heated  element  which  I  poured 
down,  seemed  delicious — I  hastened  to  open  the  remainder 
of  the  animals  before  putrefaction  should  take  place,  and 
collect  the  scanty  supplies  in  the  water-skins.  I  procured 
more  than  half  a  skin  of  water,  and  then  returned  to  my 
own  camel,  which  I  had  lain  down  beside  of,  during  the 
simoom.  I  sat  on  the  body  of  the  animal,  and  reflected 
upon  the  best  method  of  proceeding.  I  knew  that  I  was 
but  one  day's  journey  from  the  springs  •,  but  how  little 
chance  had  I  of  reaching  them  !  I  also  knew  the  direction 
which  I  must  take.  The  day  had  nearly  closed,  and  I 
resolved  to  make  the  attempt. 

As  the  sun  disappeared,  I  rose,  and  with  the  skin  of 
water  on  my  back  proceeded  on  my  hopeless  journey.  I 
walked  the  whole  of  that  night,  and,  by  break  of  day,  I 
imagined  that  I  must  have  made  about  half  the  progress  of 
a  caravan  ;  I  had,  therefore,  still  a  day  to  pass  in  the  desert, 
without  any  protection  from  the  consuming  heat,  and  then 
another  night  of  toil.  Although  I  had  sufficient  water,  I 
had  no  food.  When  the  sun  rose,  I  sat  down  upon  a  hil- 
lock of  burning  sand,  to  be  exposed  to  his  rays  for  twelve 
everlasting  hours.  Before  the  hour  of  noon  arrived,  my 
brain  became  heated — I  nearly  lost  my  reason.     My  visioa 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  21 

was  imperfect,  or  rather  I  saw  what  did  not  exist.  At  one 
time  lakes  of  water  presented  themselves  to  my  eager  eyes  ; 
and  so  certain  was  I  of  their  existence,  that  I  rose  and  stag- 
gered till  I  was  exhausted  in  pursuit  of  them.  At  another, 
I  beheld  trees  at  a  distance,  and  could  see  the  acacias 
waving  in  the  breeze ;  I  hastened  to  throw  myself  under 
their  shade,  and  arrived  at  some  small  shrub,  which  had 
thus  been  magnified. 

So  was  I  tormented  and  deceived  during  the  whole  of 
that  dreadful  day,  which  still  haunts  me  in  my  dreams.  At 
last  the  night  closed  in,  and  the  stars  as  they  lighted  up, 
warned  me  that  I  might  continue  my  journey.  I  drank 
plentifully  from  my  water-skin,  and  recommenced  my 
solitary  way.  I  followed  the  track  marked  out  by  the 
bones  of  camels  and  horses  of  former  caravans  which  had 
perished  in  the  desert,  and  when  the  day  dawned,  I  per- 
ceived the  castle  of  Akaba  at  a  short  distance.  Inspired 
with  new  life,  I  threw  away  the  water-skin,  redoubled  my 
speed,  and  in  half  an  hour  had  thrown  myself  down  by  the 
side  of  the  fountain  from  which  I  had  previously  imbibed 
large  draughts  of  the  refreshing  fluid.  What  happiness 
was  then  mine !  How  heavenly,  to  lay  under  the  shade, 
breathing  the  cool  air,  listening  to  the  warbling  of  the 
birds,  and  inhaling  the  perfume  of  the  flowers,  which 
luxuriated  on  that  delightful  spot !  After  an  hour  I 
stripped,  bathed  myself,  and,  taking  another  draught  of 
water,  fell  into  a  sound  sleep. 

I  awoke  refreshed,  but  suffering  under  the  cravings  of 
hunger,  which  now  assailed  me.  I  had  been  three  days 
without  food ;  but  hitherto  I  had  not  felt  the  want  of  it, 
as  my  more  importunate  thirst  had  overcome  the  sensation. 
Now  that  the  greater  evil  had  been  removed,  the  lesser 
increased  and  became  hourly  more  imperious.  I  walked 
out  and  scanned  the  horizon  with  the  hopes  of  some  cara- 
van appearing  in  sight,  but  I  watched  in  vain ;  and  returned 
to  the  fountain.  Two  more  days  passed  away,  and  no 
relief  was  at  hand :  my  strength  failed  me  •,  I  felt  that  I 
was  dying ;  and,  as  the  fountain  murmured,  and  the  birds 


22  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

sang,  and  the  cool  breeze  fanned  my  cheeks,  I  thought  that 
it  would  have  been  better  to  have  been  swallowed  up  in 
the  desert  than  to  be  tantalised  by  expiring  in  such  a  para- 
dise. I  laid  myself  down  to  die,  for  I  could  sit  up  no  more  ; 
and  as  I  turned  round  to  take  a  last  view  of  the  running 
water,  which  had  prolonged  my  existence,  something  hard 
pressed  against  my  side.  I  thought  it  was  a  stone,  and 
stretched  out  my  hand  to  remove  it,  that  I  might  be  at  ease 
in  my  last  moments  ;  but  when  I  felt,  there  was  no  stone 
there  ;  it  was  something  in  the  pocket  of  my  jacket.  I  put 
my  hand  in,  unconscious  what  it  could  be  ;  I  pulled  it  out, 
and  looking  at  it  before  I  threw  it  away,  found  that  it  was 
a  piece  of  hard  dry  bread.  I  thought  that  it  had  been  sent 
to  me  from  heaven,  and  it  was  as  pure  an  offering  as  if  it 
had  come  from  thence,  for  it  was  the  gift  of  innocence  and 
affection — it  was  the  piece  of  bread  which  my  little  darling 
girl  had  received  for  her  breakfast,  and  which  on  my  depar- 
ture she  had  thrust  into  my  pocket,  when  I  imagined  she 
had  been  searching  for  fruit.  I  crawled  to  the  spring, 
moistened  it,  and  devoured  it,  with  tears  of  gratitude  to 
heaven,  mingled  with  the  fond  yearnings  of  a  father's 
heart. 

It  saved  my  life ;  for  the  next  day  a  small  caravan 
arrived,  which  was  bound  to  Cairo.  The  merchants 
treated  me  with  great  kindness,  tied  me  on  one  of  the 
camels,  and  I  once  more  embraced  my  family,  whom  I  had 
never  thought  to  see  again.  Since  that  I  have  been  poor, 
but  contented — I  deserved  to  lose  all  my  property  for  my 
wickedness,  and  I  submit  with  resignation  to  the  will  of 
AUah. 

And  now  I  trust  that  your  highness  will  acknowledge 
that  I  was  justified  in  making  use  of  the  expression,  that 
"  Happy  was  the  man  who  could  at  all  times  command  a 
crust  of  bread  I  " 

"  Very  true,"  observed  the  pacha ;  **  that's  not  a  bad 
story :  Mustapha,  give  him  five  pieces  of  gold,  and  allow 
him  to  depart." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  23 

The  camel-driver  quitted  the  divan,  prostrating  himself 
before  the  pacha,  and  overjoyed  at  the  fortunate  termination 
of  what  had  threatened  so  much  danger.  The  pacha  was 
silent  for  a  little  while,  during  which  he  puifed  his  pipe — 
when  he  observed  : — 

"  Allah  Kebur,  God  is  most  powerful !  That  man  has 
suffered  much — and  what  has  he  to  show  for  it  ? — a  green 
turban — He  is  a  Hadjy ;  I  never  thought  that  we  should 
have  heard  so  good  a  story  about  a  *  crust  of  bread.*  His 
description  of  the  simoom  parched  up  my  entrails.  What 
think  you,  Mustapha,  cannot  a  true  believer  go  to  heaven, 
without  a  visit  to  the  tomb  of  the  prophet  ?  " 

"The  holy  Koran  does  not  say  otherwise,  your  high- 
ness, it  inculcates  that  all  who  can,  should  do  so,  as  the 
path  will  be  rendered  easier.  Min  AJlah  !  God  forbid  ! 
Has  your  highness  ever  had  the  time  to  go  to  Mecca,  and 
is  not  your  highness  to  go  to  heaven  ?  " 

<«  Very  true,  Mustapha,  I  never  had  time.  In  my  youth 
I  was  busy  shaving  heads,  after  that.  Wallah !  I  had 
enough  to  do,  splitting  them;  and  now  am  not  I  fully 
occupied  in  taking  them  off  ?  Is  it  not  so,  Mustapha ;  are 
not  these  the  words  of  truth  ?  " 

"  Your  highness  is  all  wisdom.  There  is  but  one  God, 
and  Mahomet  is  his  prophet ;  and  when  the  latter  said, 
that  a  visit  to  the  holy  shrine  would  be  a  passport  to 
heaven,  it  was  intended  to  employ  those  who  were  idle, 
not  to  embarrass  true  believers  who  work  hard  in  the  name 
of  the  Most  High  !  " 

"  Min  Allah  !  God  forbid  !  the  case  is  clear,"  replied 
the  pacha,  *'why,  if  every  body  were  to  go  to  Mecca, 
what  then,  Mustapha  ?  " 

"  Your  highness — it  is  the  opinion  of  your  slave,  if  such 
were  to  take  place,  that  all  the  fools  would  have  left  the 
country." 

"Very  true,  Mustapha;  but  my  mouth  is  parched  up 
with  the  sand  of  that  simoom — Sherbet  I  cannot  drink, 
Rakee  I  must  not,  the  Hakim  has  forbid  it ;  what  must  it 
be  then,  Mustapha  ? " 


24  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"Hath  the  holy  prophet  forbidden  wine  to  true  be- 
lievers in  case  of  sickness  ;  is  not  your  highness  sick ;  was 
the  wine  of  Shiraz  given  by  Allah  to  be  thrown  away  ? 
Allah  Karim !  God  is  most  merciful ;  and  the  wine  was 
sent  that  true  believers  might,  in  this  world,  have  a  fore- 
taste of  the  pleasures  awaiting  them  in  the  next." 

"  Mustapha,"  replied  the  pacha,  taking  his  pipe  out  of 
his  mouth,  **  by  the  beard  of  the  holy  prophet,  your  words 
are  those  of  wisdom.  Is  a  pacha  to  be  fed  on  water- 
melons ?  StafEr  Allah  !  do  we  believe  the  less,  because 
we  drink  the  wine  ?  Slave,  bring  the  pitcher.  There  is 
but  one  God,  and  Mahomet  is  his  prophet." 

**  The  words  of  the  prophet,  your  highness,  are  plain : 
he  says,  *True  believers  drink  no  wine,'  which  means, 
that  his  followers  are  not  to  go  about  the  streets,  drunken 
like  the  Giaours  of  Franguistan,  who  come  here  in  their 
ships.  "Why  is  wine  forbidden  ?  because  it  makes  men 
drunk.  If  then  we  are  not  drunk,  we  keep  within  the 
law.  Why  was  the  law  made  ?  Laws  cannot  be  made 
for  all ;  they  must  therefore  be  made  for  the  control  of  the 
majority — Is  it  not  so  ?  Who  are  the  majority  ?  Why 
the  poor.  If  laws  were  made  for  the  rich  and  powerful, 
such  laws  would  not  suit  the  community  at  large. 
Mashallah  !  there  are  no  laws  for  pachas,  who  have  only  to 
believe  that  there  is  one  God  and  Mahomet  is  his  prophet. 
Does  your  slave  say  well  ? " 

"  Excellently  well,  Mustapha,"  replied  the  pacha,  lifting 
the  pitcher  to  his  mouth  for  a  minute,  and  then  passing  it 
to  Mustapha. 

"  Allah  Karim  !  God  is  most  merciful  !  your  slave  must 
drink ;  is  it  not  the  pleasure  of  your  highness  ?  As  the 
wine  poured  down  the  throat  of  your  highness,  pervades 
through  your  whole  frame  to  the  extremities,  so  does  your 
slave  participate  in  your  bounty.  Do  I  not  sit  in  your 
sublime  presence  ?  Can  the  sun  shine  without  throwing 
out  heat ;  therefore  if  your  highness  drink,  must  not  I 
drink  ?  Allah  Acbar  !  who  shall  presume  not  to  follow 
the  steps  of  the  pacha  ? "  So  saying,  Mustapha  lifted  up 
the  pitcher,  and,  for  a  minute,  it  was  glued  to  his  lips. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  25 

"  I  think  that  story  should  be  written  down,"  observed 
the  pacha,  after  a  pause  of  a  few  moments. 

"I  have  already  given  directions,  your  highness,  and 
the  Greek  slave  is  now  employed  about  it,  improving  the 
language  to  render  it  more  pleasing  to  the  ears  of  your 
sublime  highness,  should  it  be  your  pleasure  to  have  it 
read  to  you  on  some  future  day." 

"  That  is  right,  Mustapha,  if  I  recollect  well,  the  Caliph 
Haroun  used  to  command  them  to  be  written  in  letters  of 
gold,  and  be  deposited  in  the  archives :  we  must  do  the 
same." 

"  The  art  no  longer  exists,  your  highness." 

"Then  we  must  be  content  with  Indian-ink,"  replied 
the  pacha,  lifting  the  pitcher  to  his  mouth,  and  emptying  it. 
**  The  sun  will  soon  be  down,  Mustapha,  and  we  must  set 
off." 


Chapter  II 

The'  pacha  called  for  coffee,  and  in  a  few  minutes,  accom- 
panied, as  before,  by  Mustapha  and  the  armed  slaves,  was 
prowling  through  the  city  in  search  of  a  story-teller.  He 
was  again  fortunate,  as  after  a  walk  of  half  an  hour,  he 
overheard  two  men  loudly  disputing  at  the  door  of  a  small 
wine-shop,  frequented  by  the  Greeks  and  Franks  living  in 
the  city,  and  into  which  many  a  slave  might  be  observed 
to  glide,  returning  with  a  full  pitcher  for  the  evening's 
amusement  of  his  Turkish  master,  who,  as  well  as  his 
betters,  clandestinely  violated  the  precepts  of  the  Koran. 

As  usual  he  stopped  to  listen,  when  one  of  the  dis- 
putants exclaimed — "  I  tell  thee,  Anselmo,  it  is  the  vilest 
composition  that  was  ever  drunk :  and  I  think  I  ought  to 
know,  after  having  distilled  the  essence  of  an  Ethiopian,  a 
Jew,  and  a  Turk." 

**  I  care  nothing  for  your  distillations,  Charis,"  replied 
the  other,  "  I  consider  that  I  am  a  better  judge  than  you  : 
I  was  not  a  monk  of  the  Dominican  order  for  fifteen  years, 


26  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

without  having  ascertained  the  merit  of  every  description 
of  wine." 

"I  should  like  to  know  what  that  fellow  means  by 
distilling  people"  observed  the  pacha,  "and  also  why  a 
Dominican  monk  should  know  wine  better  than  others. 
Mustapha,  I  must  see  those  two  men." 

The  next  morning  the  men  were  in  attendance,  and 
introduced ;  when  the  pacha  requested  an  explanation 
from  the  first  who  had  spoken.  The  man  threw  himself 
down  before  the  pacha,  with  his  head  on  the  floor  of  the 
divan,  and  said, — "  First  promise  me,  your  highness,  by 
the  sword  of  the  prophet,  that  no  harm  shall  result  to  me 
from  complying  with  your  request ;  and  then  I  shall  obey 
you  with  pleasure." 

"  Mashallah !  what  is  the  Kafir  afraid  of  ?  What 
crimes  hath  he  committed,  that  he  would  have  his  pardon 
granted  before  he  tells  his  story  ? "  said  the  pacha  to 
Mustapha. 

"  No  crime  towards  your  state,  your  sublime  highness  5, 
but  when  in  another  country,  I  was  unfortunate,"  con- 
tinued the  man — "  I  cannot  tell  my  story,  unless  your 
highness  will  condescend  to  give  your  promise." 

"  May  it  please  your  highness,"  observed  Mustapha, 
"  he  asserts  his  crime  to  have  been  committed  in  another 
state.  It  may  be  heavy,  and  I  suspect  'tis  murder; — 
but  although  we  watch  the  flowers  which  ornament  our 
gardens,  and  would  punish  those  who  cull  them,  yet  we 
care  not  who  intrudes  and  robs  our  neighbour — and  thus, 
it  appears  to  me,  your  highness,  that  it  is  with  states,  and 
sufficient  for  the  ruler  of  each  to  watch  over  the  lives  of 
his  own  subjects." 

"Very  true,  Mustapha,"  rejoined  the  pacha  ;  "  besides, 
we  might  lose  the  story.  Kafir,  you  have  our  promise,, 
and  may  proceed." 

The  Greek  slave  (for  such  he  was)  then  rose  up,  and 
narrated  his  story  in  the  following  words. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  27 


STORY   OF   THE   GREEK   SLAVE. 

I  am  a  Greek  by  birth  ;  my  parents  were  poor  people 
residing  at  Smyrna.  I  was  an  only  son,  and  brought  up 
to  my  father's  profession, — that  of  a  cooper.  When  I 
was  twenty  years  old,  I  had  buried  both  my  parents,  and 
was  left  to  shift  for  myself.  I  had  been  for  some  time 
in  the  employ  of  a  Jewish  wine-merchant,  and  I  continued 
there  for  three  years  after  my  father's  death,  when  a 
circumstance  occurred  which  led  to  my  subsequent  pros- 
perity and  present  degradation. 

At  the  time  that  I  am  speaking  of,  I  had,  by  strict 
diligence  and  sobriety,  so  pleased  my  employer,  that  I 
had  risen  to  be  his  foreman  ;  and  although  I  still  superin- 
tended and  occasionally  worked  at  the  cooperage,  I  was 
intrusted  with  the  drawing  off  and  fining  of  the  wines, 
to  prepare  them  for  market.  There  was  an  Ethiopian 
slave,  who  worked  under  my  orders,  a  powerful,  broad- 
shouldered,  and  most  malignant  wretch,  whom  my  master 
found  it  almost  impossible  to  manage  ;  the  bastinado,  or 
any  other  punishment,  he  derided,  and  after  the  applica- 
tion only  became  more  sullen  and  discontented  than 
before.  The  fire  that  flashed  from  his  eyes,  upon  any 
fault  being  found  by  me  on  account  of  his  negligence, 
was  so  threatening,  that  I  every  day  expected  I  should 
be  murdered.  I  repeatedly  requested  my  master  to  part 
with  him ;  but  the  Ethiopian  being  a  very  powerful  man, 
and  able,  when  he  chose,  to  move  a  pipe  of  wine  without 
assistance,  the  avarice  of  the  Jew  would  not  permit  him 
to  accede  to  my  repeated  solicitations. 

One  morning  I  entered  the  cooperage,  and  found  the 
Ethiopian  fast  asleep  by  the  side  of  a  cask  which  I  had 
been  wanting  for  some  time,  and  expected  to  have  found 
ready.  Afraid  to  punish  him  myself,  I  brought  my 
master  to  witness  his  conduct.  The  Jew,  enraged  at 
his  idleness,  struck  him  on  the  head  with  one  of  the 
staves.      The   Ethiopian   sprang    up   in   a   rage,  but   on 


28  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

seeing  his  master  with  the  stave  in  his  hand,  contented 
himself  with  muttering,  "That  he  would  not  remain  to 
be  beaten  in  that  manner,"  and  re-applied  himself  to  his 
labour.  As  soon  as  my  master  had  left  the  cooperage, 
the  Ethiopian  vented  his  anger  upon  me  for  having  in- 
formed against  him,  and  seizing  the  stave,  flew  at  me 
with  the  intention  of  beating  out  my  brains.  I  stepped 
behind  the  cask ;  he  followed  me,  and  just  as  I  had 
seized  an  adze  to  defend  myself,  he  fell  over  the  stool 
which  lay  in  his  way — he  was  springing  up  to  renew  the 
attack,  when  I  struck  him  a  blow  with  the  adze  which 
entered  his  skull,  and  laid  him  dead  at  my  feet. 

I  was  very  much  alarmed  at  what  had  occurred ;  for  al- 
though I  felt  justified  in  self-defence,  I  was  aware  that  my 
master  would  be  very  much  annoyed  at  the  loss  of  the 
slave,  and  as  there  were  no  witnesses,  it  would  go  hard 
with  me  when  brought  before  the  cadi.  After  some 
reflection  I  determined,  as  the  slave  had  said  "  He  would 
not  remain  to  be  beaten,"  that  I  would  leave  my  master 
to  suppose  he  had  run  away,  and  in  the  mean  time  con- 
ceal the  body.  But  to  effect  this  was  difficult,  as  I  could 
not  take  it  out  of  the  cooperage  without  being  perceived. 
After  some  cogitation,  I  decided  upon  putting  it  into  the 
cask,  and  heading  it  up.  It  required  all  my  strength  to 
lift  the  body  in,  but  at  last  I  succeeded.  Having  put 
in  the  head  of  the  pipe,  I  hammered  down  the  hoops  and 
rolled  it  into  the  store,  where  I  had  been  waiting  to  fill 
it  with  wine  for  the  next  year's  demand.  As  soon  as  it 
was  in  its  place,  I  pumped  off  the  wine  from  the  vat,  and 
having  filled  up  the  cask  and  put  in  the  bung,  I  felt  as 
if  a  heavy  load  had  been  removed  from  my  mind,  as  there 
was  no  chance  of  immediate  discovery. 

I  had  but  just  completed  my  task,  and  was  sitting  down 
on  one  of  the  settles,  when  my  master  came  in,  and  in- 
quired for  the  slave.  I  replied  that  he  had  left  the 
cooperage,  swearing  that  he  would  work  no  more.  Afraid 
of  losing  him,  the  Jew  hastened  to  give  notice  to  the 
authorities,    that   he   might   be   apprehended  j    but   after 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  29 

some  time,  as  nothing  could  be  heard  of  the  supposed 
runaway,  it  was  imagined  that  he  had  drowned  himself 
in  a  fit  of  sullenness,  and  no  more  was  thought  about 
him.  In  the  meanwhile  I  continued  to  work  there  as 
before,  and  as  I  had  the  charge  of  every  thing  I  had 
no  doubt  but  that,  some  day  or  another,  I  should  find 
means  of  quietly  disposing  of  my  incumbrance. 

The  next  spring,  I  was  busy  pumping  off  from  one 
cask  into  the  other,  according  to  our  custom,  when  the 
aga  of  the  janissaries  came  in.  He  was  a  great  wine- 
bibber,  and  one  of  our  best  customers.  As  his  dependents 
were  all  well-known,  it  was  not  his  custom  to  send  them 
for  wine,  but  to  come  himself  to  the  store  and  select  a 
pipe.  This  was  carried  away  in  a  litter  by  eight  strong 
slaves,  with  the  curtains  drawn  close,  as  if  it  had  been 
a  new  purchase  which  he  had  added  to  his  harem.  My 
master  showed  him  the  pipes  of  wine  prepared  for  that 
year's  market,  which  were  arranged  in  two  rows  ;  and  I 
hardly  need  observe  that  the  one  containing  the  Ethiopian 
was  not  in  the  foremost.  After  tasting  one  or  two  which 
did  not  seem  to  please  him,  the  aga  observed,  "Friend 
Issachar,  thy  tribe  will  always  put  off  the  worst  goods 
first,  if  possible.  Now  I  have  an  idea  that  there  is 
better  wine  in  the  second  tier,  than  in  the  one  thou  hast 
recommended.  Let  thy  Greek  put  a  spile  into  that  cask," 
continued  he,  pointing  to  the  very  one  in  which  I  had 
headed  up  the  black  slave.  As  I  made  sure  that  as  soon 
as  he  had  tasted  the  contents  he  would  spit  them  out, 
I  did  not  hesitate  to  bore  the  cask  and  draw  off  the  wine, 
which  I  handed  to  him.  He  tasted  it  and  held  it  to  the 
light — tasted  it  again  and  smacked  his  lips — then  turning 
to  my  master,  exclaimed,  "Thou  dog  of  a  Jew!  wouldst 
thou  have  palmed  off  upon  me  vile  trash,  when  thou 
hadst  in  thy  possession  wine  which  might  be  sipped 
with  the  Houris  in  Paradise  ? " 

The  Jew  appealed  to  me  if  the  pipes  of  wine  were 
not  all  of  the  same  quality  5  and  I  confirmed  his 
assertion. 


30  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  Taste  it  then,"  replied  the  aga,  "  and  then  taste  the 
first  which  you  recommended  to  me." 

My  master  did  so,  and  was  evidently  astonished.  "  It 
certainly  has  more  body,"  replied  he  j  **  yet  how  that  can 
be,  I  know  not.  Taste  it,  Charis." — I  held  the  glass  to 
my  lips,  but  nothing  could  induce  me  to  taste  the  contents. 
I  contented  myself  with  agreeing  with  my  master  (as  I 
conscientiously  could),  **  that  it  certainly  had  more  body 
in  it  than  the  rest." 

The  aga  was  so  pleased  with  the  wine,  that  he  tasted 
two  or  three  more  pipes  of  the  back  tier,  hoping  to  find 
others  of  the  same  quality,  probably  intending  to  have  laid 
in  a  large  stock ;  but  finding  no  other  of  the  same  flavour, 
he  ordered  his  slaves  to  roll  the  one  containing  the  body 
of  the  slave  into  the  litter,  and  carried  it  to  his  own  house. 

"  Stop  a  moment,  thou  lying  kafir ! "  said  the  pacha, 
**  dost  thou  really  mean  to  say  that  the  wine  was  better 
than  the  rest  ? " 

"  "Why  should  I  tell  a  lie  to  your  sublime  highness — am 
not  I  a  worm  that  you  may  crush  ?  As  I  informed  you,  I 
did  not  taste  it,  your  highness  ;  but  after  the  aga  had 
departed,  my  master  expressed  his  surprise  at  the  ex- 
cellence of  the  wine,  which  he  affirmed  to  be  superior  to 
any  thing  that  he  had  ever  tasted — and  his  sorrow  that  the 
aga  had  taken  away  the  cask,  which  prevented  him  from 
ascertaining  the  cause.  But  one  day  I  was  narrating  the 
circumstance  to  a  Frank  in  this  country,  who  expressed  no 
surprise  at  the  wine  being  improved.  He  had  been  a 
wine-merchant  in  England,  and  he  informed  me  that  it  was 
the  custom  there  to  throw  large  pieces  of  raw  beef  into 
the  wine  to  feed  it ;  and  that  some  particular  wines  were 
very  much  improved  thereby." 

**  Allah  Kebur  !  God  is  great !  "  cried  the  pacha — 
"  Then  it  must  be  so — I  have  heard  that  the  English  are 
very  fond  of  beef.     Now  go  on  with  thy  story." 

Your  highness  cannot  imagine  the  alarm  which  I  felt 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  31 

when  the  cask  was  taken  away  by  the  aga's  slaves.  I  gave 
myself  up  for  a  lost  man,  and  resolved  upon  immediate 
flight  from  Smyrna.  I  calculated  the  time  that  it  would 
take  for  the  aga  to  drink  the  wine,  and  made  my  arrange- 
ments accordingly.  I  told  my  master  that  it  was  my 
intention  to  leave  him,  as  I  had  an  offer  to  go  into  business 
with  a  relation  at  Zante.  My  master,  who  could  not  well 
do  without  me,  entreated  me  to  stay  j  but  I  was  positive. 
He  then  offered  me  a  share  of  the  business  if  I  would 
remain,  but  I  was  not  to  be  persuaded.  Every  rap  at  the 
door,  I  thought  that  the  aga  and  his  janissaries  were 
coming  for  me  ;  and  I  hastened  my  departure,  which  was 
fixed  for  the  following  day, — when  in  the  evening  my 
master  came  into  the  store  with  a  paper  in  his  hand. 

**  Charis,"  said  he,  "  perhaps  you  have  supposed  that  I 
only  offered  to  make  you  a  partner  in  my  business  to 
induce  you  to  remain,  and  then  to  deceive  you.  To  prove 
the  contrary,  here  is  a  deed  drawn  up  by  which  you  are  a 
partner,  and  entitled  to  one-third  of  the  future  profits. 
Look  at  it,  you  will  find  that  it  has  been  executed  in  due 
form  before  the  cadi." 

He  had  put  the  paper  into  my  hand,  and  I  was  about  to 
return  it  with  a  refusal,  when  a  loud  knocking  at  the  door 
startled  us  both.  It  was  a  party  of  janissaries  despatched 
by  the  aga,  to  bring  us  to  him  immediately.  I  knew  well 
enough  what  it  must  be  about,  and  I  cursed  my  folly  in 
having  delayed  so  long ;  but  the  fact  was,  the  wine  proved 
so  agreeable  to  the  aga's  palate  that  he  had  drunk  it  much 
faster  than  usual ;  besides  which,  the  body  of  the  slave 
took  up  at  least  a  third  of  the  cask,  and  diminished  the 
contents  in  the  same  proportion.  There  was  no  appeal, 
and  no  escape.  My  master,  who  was  ignorant  of  the 
cause,  did  not  seem  at  all  alarmed,  but  willingly  accom- 
panied the  soldiers.  I,  on  the  contrary,  was  nearly  dead 
from  fear. 

When  we  arrived,  the  aga  burst  out  in  the  most  violent 
exclamations  against  my  master — "  Thou  rascal  of  a  Jew  !  " 
said  he,  **  dost  thou  think  that  thou  art  to  impose  upon  a 


32  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

true  believer,  and  sell  him  a  pipe  of  wine  which  is  not 
more  than  two-thirds  full, — filling  it  up  with  trash  of 
some  sort  or  another.  Tell  me  what  it  is  that  is  so  heavy 
in  the  cask  now  that  it  is  empty  ? " 

The  Jew  protested  his  ignorance,  and  appealed  to  me: 
I,  of  course,  pretended  the  same.  "Well,  then,"  replied 
the  aga,  **  we  will  soon  see.  Let  thy  Greek  send  for  his 
tools,  and  the  cask  shall  be  opened  in  our  presence ;  then 
perhaps  thou  wilt  recognise  thine  own  knavery." 

Two  of  the  janissaries  were  despatched  for  the  tools, 
and  when  they  arrived  I  was  directed  to  take  the  head  out 
of  the  cask.  I  now  considered  my  death  as  certain — 
nothing  buoyed  me  up  but  my  observing  that  the  resent- 
ment of  the  aga  was  levelled  more  against  my  master  than 
against  me ;  but  still  I  thought  that,  when  the  cask  was 
opened,  the  recognition  of  the  black  slave  must  immediately 
take  place,  and  the  evidence  of  my  master  would  fix  the 
murder  upon  me. 

It  was  with  a  trembling  hand  that  I  obeyed  the  orders 
of  the  aga — the  head  of  the  pipe  was  taken  out,  and, 
to  the  horror  of  all  present,  the  body  was  exposed ;  but 
instead  of  being  black,  it  had  turned  luhite,  from  the  time 
which  it  had  been  immersed.  I  rallied  a  little  at  this 
circumstance,  as,  so  far,  suspicion  would  be  removed. 

"  Holy  Abraham  ! "  exclaimed  my  master,  "  what 
is  that  which  I  see  ! — A  dead  body,  so  help  me  God ! — 
but  I  know  nothing  about  it — do  you,  Charis  ? "  I  vowed 
that  I  did  not,  and  called  the  Patriarch  to  witness  the 
truth  of  my  assertion.  But  while  we  were  thus  exclaim- 
ing, the  aga's  eyes  were  fixed  upon  my  master  with  an 
indignant  and  deadly  stare  which  spoke  volumes  ;  while 
the  remainder  of  the  people  who  were  present,  although 
they  said  nothing,  seemed  as  if  they  were  ready  to  tear 
him  into  pieces. 

"  Cursed  unbeliever  !  "  at  last  uttered  the  Turk,  "  is  it 
thus  that  thou  preparest  the  wine  for  the  disciples  of  the 
Prophet  ? " 

**  Holy  father  Abraham  ! — I  know  no  more  than  you  do, 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ^^ 

aga,  how  that  body  came  there  ;   but  I  will  change  the 
cask  with  pleasure,  and  will  send  you  another." 

"Be  it  so,"  replied  the  agaj  "my  slave  shall  fetch 
it  now."  He  gave  directions  accordingly,  and  the  litter 
soon  reappeared  with  another  pipe  of  wine. 

"  It  will  be  a  heavy  loss  to  a  poor  Jew — one  pipe  of 
good  wine,"  observed  my  master,  as  it  was  rolled  out  of 
the  litter;  and  he  took  up  his  hat  with  the  intention 
to  depart. 

"  Stay,"  cried  the  aga,  "  I  do  not  mean  to  rob  you  of 
your  wine." 

"  Oh,  then,  you  will  pay  me  for  it,"  replied  my  master  ; 
"**  aga,  you  are  a  considerate  man." 

"  Thou  shalt  see,"  retorted  the  aga,  who  gave  directions 
to  his  slaves  to  draw  off  the  wine  in  vessels.  As  soon  as 
the  pipe  was  empty,  he  desired  me  to  take  the  head  out ; 
and  when  I  had  obeyed  him,  he  ordered  his  janissaries  to 
put  my  master  in.  In  a  minute  he  was  gagged  and  bound, 
and  tossed  into  the  pipe ;  and  I  was  directed  to  put  in  the 
head  as  before.  I  was  very  unwilling  to  comply;  for 
I  had  no  reason  to  complain  of  my  master,  and  knew  that 
he  was  punished  for  the  fault  of  which  I  had  been  guilty. 
But  it  was  a  case  of  life  or  death, — and  the  days  of  self- 
devotion  have  long  passed  away  in  our  country.  Besides 
which,  I  had  the  deed  in  my  pocket  by  which  I  was  a 
partner  in  the  business,  and  my  master  had  no  heirs, — 
so  that  I  stood  a  chance  to  come  into  the  whole  of  his 
property.     Moreover 

"  Never  mind  your  reasons,"  observed  the  pacha,  "  you 
headed  him  up  in  the  cask — go  on." 

"  I  did  so,  your  highness ;  but  although  I  dared  not 
disobey,  I  assure  you  that  it  was  with  a  sorrowful  heart — 
the  more  so,  as  I  did  not  know  the  fate  which  might 
be  reserved  for  myself." 

As  soon  as  the  head  was  in,  and  the  hoops  driven  on, 
p  c 


34  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

the  aga  desired  his  slaves  to  fill  the  cask  up  again  with 
the  wine  ;  and  thus  did  my  poor  master  perish. 

"Put  in  the  bung,  Greek,"  said  the  aga,  in  a  stern 
voice. 

I  did  so,  and  stood  trembling  before  him. 

"  Well !  what  knowest  thou  of  this  transaction  ? " 

I  thought,  as  the  aga  had  taken  away  the  life  of  my 
master,  that  it  would  not  hurt  him  if  I  took  away  a  little 
from  his  character.  I  answered  that  I  really  knew  nothing, 
but  that,  the  other  day,  a  black  slave  had  disappeared  in  a 
very  suspicious  manner — that  my  master  made  very  little 
inquiry  after  him — and  I  now  strongly  suspected  that  he 
must  have  suffered  the  same  fate.  I  added,  that  my  master 
had  expressed  himself  very  sorry  that  his  highness  had 
taken  away  the  pipe  of  wine,  as  he  would  have  reserved  it. 

**  Cursed  Jew  !  "  replied  the  aga ;  "  I  don't  doubt  but  he 
has  murdered  a  dozen  in  the  same  manner." 

"  I  am  afraid  so,  sir,"  replied  I,  **  and  suspect  that  I  was 
to  have  been  his  next  victim ;  for  when  I  talked  of  going 
away,  he  persuaded  me  to  stay,  and  gave  me  this  paper,  by 
which  I  was  to  become  his  partner  with  one-third  of  the 
profits.  I  presume  that  I  should  not  have  enjoyed  them 
long." 

**  Well,  Greek,"  observed  the  aga,  **  this  is  fortunate  for 
you ;  as,  upon  certain  conditions,  you  may  enter  upon  the 
whole  property.  One  is,  that  you  keep  this  pipe  of  wine 
with  the  rascally  Jew  in  it,  that  I  may  have  the  pleasure 
occasionally  to  look  at  my  revenge.  You  will  also  keep 
the  pipe  with  the  other  body  in  it,  that  it  may  keep  my 
anger  alive.  The  last  is,  that  you  will  supply  me  with 
what  wine  I  may  require,  of  the  very  best  quality,  without 
making  any  charge.  Do  you  consent  to  these  terms,  or  am 
I  to  consider  you  as  a  party  to  this  infamous  transaction  ? " 

I  hardly  need  observe  that  the  terms  were  gladly  accepted* 
Your  highness  must  be  aware  that  nobody  thinks  much 
about  a  Jew,  When  I  was  questioned  as  to  his  disappear- 
ance, I  shrugged  up  my  shoulders  and  told  the  inquirers, 
confidentially,  that  the  aga  of  the  janissaries  had  put  him  m 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  3^ 

prison,  and  that  I  was  carrying  on  the  business  until  his 
release. 

In  compliance  with  the  wishes  of  the  aga,  the  two  casks 
containing  the  Jew  and  the  Ethiopian  slave,  were  placed 
together  on  settles  higher  than  the  rest,  in  the  centre  of  the 
store.  He  would  come  in  the  evening,  and  rail  at  the  cask 
containing  my  late  master  for  hours  at  a  time  ;  during  which 
he  drank  so  much  wine,  that  it  was  a  very  common  circum- 
stance for  him  to  remain  in  the  house  until  the  next  morning. 

You  must  not  suppose,  your  highness,  that  I  neglected 
to  avail  myself  (unknown  to  the  aga)  of  the  peculiar  pro- 
perties of  the  wine  which  those  casks  contained.  I  had 
them  spiled  underneath,  and,  constantly  running  off  the 
wine  from  them,  filled  them  up  afresh.  In  a  short  time 
there  was  not  a  gallon  in  my  possession  which  had  not  a 
dash  in  it  of  either  the  Ethiopian  or  the  Jew  ;  and  my  wine 
was  so  improved,  that  it  had  a  most  rapid  sale,  and  I 
became  rich. 

All  went  on  prosperously  for  three  years ;  when  the 
aga,  who  during  that  time  had  been  my  constant  guest, 
and  at  least  three  times  a-week  had  been  intoxicated  in  my 
house,  was  ordered  with  his  troops  to  join  the  Sultan's 
army.  By  keeping  company  with  him,  I  had  insensibly 
imbibed  a  taste  for  wine,  although  I  never  had  been 
inebriated.  The  day  that  his  troops  marched,  he  stopped 
at  my  door,  and  dismounting  from  his  Arabian,  came  in  to 
take  a  farewell  glass,  desiring  his  men  to  go  on,  and  that 
he  would  ride  after  them.  One  glass  brought  on  another, 
and  the  time  flew  rapidly  away.  The  evening  closed  in, 
and  the  aga  was,  as  usual,  in  a  state  of  intoxication  ; — he 
insisted  upon  going  down  to  the  store,  to  rail  once  more  at 
the  cask  containing  the  body  of  the  Jew.  We  had  long 
been  on  the  most  friendly  terms,  and  having  this  night 
drunk  more  than  usual,  I  was  incautious  enough  to  say — 
"  Prithee,  aga,  do  not  abuse  my  poor  master  any  more,  for 
he  has  been  the  making  of  my  fortune.  I  will  tell  you  a 
secret  now  that  you  are  going  away-^there  is  not  a  drop 
of  wine  in  my  store  that  has  not  been  flavoured  either  by 


^6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

him,  or  by  the  slave  in  the  other  cask.  That  is  the  reason 
why  it  is  so  much  better  than  other  people's." 

**How  !  "  exclaimed  the  aga,  who  was  now  almost  in- 
capable of  speech.  "  Very  well,  rascal  Greek !  die  you 
shall,  like  your  master.  Holy  prophet !  what  a  state  for  a 
Mussulman  to  go  to  Paradise  in — impregnated  with  the 
essence  of  a  cursed  Jew  ! — ^Wretch  !  you  shall  die — you 
shall  die." 

He  made  a  grasp  at  me,  and  missing  his  foot,  fell  on  the 
ground  in  such  a  state  of  drunkenness  as  not  to  be  able  to 
get  up  again.  I  knew  that  when  he  became  sober,  he 
would  not  forget  what  had  taken  place,  and  that  I  should 
be  sacrificed  to  his  vengeance.  The  fear  of  death,  and  the 
wine  which  I  had  drunk,  decided  me  how  to  act.  I 
dragged  him  into  an  empty  pipe,  put  the  head  in,  hooped 
it  up,  and  rolling  it  into  the  tier,  filled  it  with  wine.  Thus 
did  I  revenge  my  poor  master,  and  relieved  myself  from  any 
further  molestation  on  the  part  of  the  aga. 

"  "What !  "  cried  the  pacha,  in  a  rage,  "  you  drowned  a 
true  believer — an  aga  of  janissaries  !  Thou  dog  of  a  kafir 
— thou  son  of  Shitan — and  dare  avow  it !  Call  in  the 
executioner." 

"  Mercy !  your  sublime  highness,  mercy  !  "  cried  the 
Greek — **  Have  I  not  your  promise  by  the  sword  of  the 
prophet  ?  Besides,  he  was  no  true  believer,  or  he  would 
not  have  disobeyed  the  law.  A  good  Mussulman  will 
never  touch  a  drop  of  wine." 

"  I  promised  to  forgive,  and  did  forgive,  the  murder  of 
the  black  slave ;  but  an  aga  of  janissaries ! — Is  not  that 
quite  another  thing  ?  "  appealed  the  pacha  to  Mustapha. 

"  Your  highness  is  just  in  your  indignation — the  kafir 
deserves  to  be  impaled.  Yet  there  are  two  considerations 
which  your  slave  ventures  to  submit  to  your  sublime 
wisdom.  The  first  is,  that  your  highness  gave  an  uncondi- 
tional promise,  and  swore  by  the  sword  of  the  prophet." 

"  Staffir  Allah  !  what  care  I  for  that !  Had  I  sworn  to 
a  true  believer,  it  were  something." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ^il 

**  The  other  is,  that  the  slave  has  not  yet  finished  his 
story,  which  appears  to  be  interesting." 

**  Wallah  !  that  is  true.  Let  him  finish  his  story." 
But  the  Greek  slave  remained  with  his  face  on  the 
ground ;  and  it  was  not  until  a  renewal  of  the  promise, 
sworn  upon  the  holy  standard  made  out  of  the  nether 
garments  of  the  prophet,  by  the  pacha,  who  had  recovered 
his  temper,  and  was  anxious  for  the  conclusion  of  the 
story,  that  he  could  be  induced  to  proceed,  which  he  did 
as  follows  : — 

As  soon  as  I  had  bunged  up  the  cask,  I  went  down  to 
the  yard  where  the  aga  had  left  his  horse,  and  having 
severely  wounded  the  poor  beast  with  his  sword,  I  let  it 
loose  that  it  might  gallop  home.  The  noise  of  the  horse's 
hoofs  in  the  middle  of  the  night,  aroused  his  family,  and 
when  they  discovered  that  it  was  wounded  and  without 
its  rider,  they  imagined  that  the  aga  had  been  attacked  and 
murdered  by  banditti  when  he  had  followed  his  troop. 
They  sent  to  me  to  ask  at  what  time  he  had  left  my  house  5. 
I  replied,  an  hour  after  dark — that  he  was  very  much 
intoxicated  at  the  time — and  had  left  his  sabre,  which  I 
returned.  They  had  no  suspicions  of  the  real  facts,  and  it 
was  believed  that  he  had  perished  on  the  road. 

I  was  now  rid  of  my  dangerous  acquaintance,  and 
although  he  certainly  had  drunk  a  great  quantity  of  my 
wine,  yet  I  recovered  the  value  of  it  with  interest,  from 
the  flavour  which  I  obtained  from  his  body  and  which  I 
imparted  to  the  rest  of  my  stock.  I  raised  him  up  alongside 
of  the  two  other  casks ;  and  my  trade  was  more  profitable 
and  my  wines  in  greater  repute  than  ever. 

But  one  day  the  cadi,  who  had  heard  my  wine  extolled, 
came  privately  to  my  house  ;  I  bowed  to  the  ground  at 
the  honour  conferred,  for  I  had  long  wished  to  have  him 
as  a  customer.  I  drew  some  of  my  best — "  This,  honour- 
able sir,"  said  I,  presenting  the  glass,  "  is  what  I  call  my 
aga  wine  :  the  late  aga  was  so  fond  of  it,  he  used  to  order 
a  whole  cask  at  once  to  his  house,  and  had  it  taken  there 
in  a  litter." 


38  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 


(( 


A  good  plan,"  replied  the  cadi,  "  much  better  than 
sending  a  slave  with  a  pitcher,  which  gives  occasion  for 
remarks  :  I  will  do  the  same ;  but,  first,  let  me  taste  all 
you  have." 

He  tasted  several  casks,  but  none  pleased  him  so  much 
as  the  first  which  I  had  recommended.  At  last  he  cast  his 
eyes  upon  the  three  casks  raised  above  the  others. 

"  And  what  are  those  ? "  inquired  he. 

"  Empty  casks,  sir,"  replied  I ;  but  he  had  his  stick  in 
his  hand,  and  he  struck  one. 

"  Greek,  thou  tellest  me  these  casks  are  empty,  but 
they  do  not  sound  so ;  I  suspect  that  thou  hast  better 
wine  than  I  have  tasted :  draw  me  ofF  from  these 
immediately." 

I  was  obliged  to  comply^^he  tasted  them — vowed  that 
the  wine  was  exquisite,  and  that  he  would  purchase  the 
whole.  I  stated  to  him  that  the  wine  in  those  casks  was 
used  for  flavouring  the  rest ;  and  that  the  price  was  enor- 
mous, hoping  that  he  would  not  pay  it.  He  inquired  how 
much^I  asked  him  four  times  the  price  of  the  other 
wines. 

"  Agreed,"  said  the  cadi ;  **  it  is  dear — but  one  cannot 
have  good  wine  without  paying  for  it : — it  is  a  bargain." 

I  was  very  much  alarmed  ;  and  stated  that  I  could  not 
part  with  those  casks,  as  I  should  not  be  able  to  carry  on 
my  business  with  reputation,  if  I  lost  the  means  of  flavour- 
ing my  wines,  but  all  in  vain ;  he  said  that  I  had  asked  a 
price  and  he  had  agreed  to  give  it.  Ordering  his  slaves  to 
bring  a  litter,  he  would  not  leave  the  store  until  the  whole 
of  the  casks  were  carried  away,  and  thus  did  I  lose  my 
Ethiopian,  my  Jew,  and  my  aga. 

As  I  knew  that  the  secret  would  soon  be  discovered, 
the  very  next  day  I  prepared  for  my  departure.  I  received 
my  money  from  the  cadi,  to  whom  I  stated  my  intention  to 
leave,  as  he  had  obliged  me  to  sell  him  those  wines,  and  I 
had  no  longer  hopes  of  carrying  on  my  business  with 
success.  I  again  begged  him  to  allow  me  to  have  them 
back,  offering  him  three  pipes  of  wine  as  a  present   if 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Talcs  39 

he  would  consent,  but  it  was  of  no  use.  I  chartered  a 
vessel,  which  I  loaded  with  the  rest  of  my  stock;  and, 
taking  all  my  money  with  me,  made  sail  for  Corfu,  before 
any  discovery  had  taken  place.  But  we  encountered  a 
heavy  gale  of  wind,  which,  after  a  fortnight  (during  which 
we  attempted  in  vain  to  make  head  against  it),  forced  us 
back  to  Smyrna.  When  the  weather  moderated,  I  directed 
the  captain  to  take  the  vessel  into  the  outer  roadstead  that 
I  might  sail  as  soon  as  possible.  We  had  not  dropped 
anchor  again  more  than  five  minutes  when  I  perceived  a 
boat  pulling  off  from  the  shore  in  which  was  the  cadi  and 
the  officers  of  justice. 

Convinced  that  I  was  discovered,  I  was  at  a  loss  how 
to  proceed,  when  the  idea  occurred  to  me  that  1  might 
conceal  my  own  body  in  a  cask,  as  I  had  before  so  well 
concealed  those  of  others. 

I  called  the  captain  down  into  the  cabin,  and  telling  him 
that  I  had  reason  to  suspect  that  the  cadi  would  take  my 
life,  offered  him  a  large  part  of  the  cargo  if  he  would 
assist  me. 

The  captain  who,  unfortunately  for  me,  was  a  Greek, 
consented.  We  went  down  into  the  hold,  started  the  wine 
out  of  one  of  the  pipes,  and  having  taken  out  the  head, 
I  crawled  in,  and  was  hooped  up. 

The  cadi  came  on  board  immediately  afterwards  and 
inquired  for  me.  The  captain  stated  that  I  had  fallen 
overboard  in  the  gale,  and  that  he  had  in  consequence 
returned,  the  vessel  not  being  consigned  to  any  house  at 
Corfu. 

"  Has  then  the  accursed  villain  escaped  my  vengeance  !  " 
exclaimed  the  cadi;  "the  murderer,  that  fines  his  wines 
with  the  bodies  of  his  fellow-creatures :  but  you  may 
deceive  me,  Greek,  we  will  examine  the  vessel." 

The  officers  who  accompanied  the  cadi  proceeded  care- 
fully to  search  every  part  of  the  ship.  Not  being  able 
to  discover  me,  the  Greek  captain  was  believed;  and, 
after  a  thousand  imprecations  upon  my  soul,  the  cadi  and 
his  people  departed. 


40  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

I  now  breathed  more  freely,  notwithstanding  I  was 
nearly  intoxicated  with  the  lees  of  the  wine  which  im- 
pregnated the  wood  of  the  cask,  and  I  was  anxious  to  be 
set  at  liberty ;  but  the  treacherous  captain  had  no  such 
intention,  and  never  came  near  me.  At  night  he  cut  his 
cable  and  made  sail,  and  I  overheard  a  conversation  between 
two  of  the  men,  which  made  known  to  me  his  intentions : 
these  were  to  throw  me  overboard  on  his  passage,  and 
take  possession  of  my  property.  I  cried  out  to  them  from 
the  bung-hole :  I  screamed  for  mercy,  but  in  vain.  One 
of  them  answered,  that,  as  I  had  murdered  others,  and 
put  them  into  casks,  I  should  now  be  treated  in  the  same 
manner. 

I  could  not  but  mentally  acknowledge  the  justice  of  my 
punishment,  and  resigned  myself  to  my  fate ;  all  that  I 
wished  was  to  be  thrown  over  at  once  and  released  from 
my  misery.  The  momentary  anticipation  of  death  appeared 
to  be  so  much  worse  than  the  reality.  But  it  was  ordered 
otherwise :  a  gale  of  wind  blew  up  with  such  force,  that 
the  captain  and  crew  had  enough  to  do  to  look  after  the 
vessel,  and,  either  I  was  forgotten  or  my  doom  was 
postponed  until  a  more  seasonable  opportunity. 

On  the  third  day  I  heard  the  sailors  observe  that,  with 
such  a  wretch  as  I  was  remaining  on  board,  the  vessel 
must  inevitably  be  lost.  The  hatches  were  then  opened : 
I  was  hoisted  up  and  cast  into  the  raging  sea.  The  bung 
of  the  cask  was  out,  but  by  stuffing  my  handkerchief  in, 
when  the  hole  was  under  water,  I  prevented  the  cask 
from  filling  ;  and  when  it  was  uppermost,  I  removed  it 
for  a  moment  to  obtain  fresh  air.  I  was  dreadfully  bruised 
by  the  constant  rolling,  in  a  heavy  sea,  and  completely 
worn  out  with  fatigue  and  pain ;  I  had  made  up  my  mind 
to  let  the  water  in  and  be  rid  of  my  life,  when  I  was 
tossed  over  and  over  with  such  dreadful  rapidity  as  pre- 
vented my  taking  the  precaution  of  keeping  out  the  water. 
After  three  successive  rolls  of  the  same  kind,  I  found  that 
the  cask,  which  had  been  in  the  surf,  had  struck  on  the 
beach.     In  a  moment  after,  I  heard  voices,  and  people 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  41 

came  up  to  the  cask  and  rolled  me  along.  I  would  not 
speak,  lest  they  should  be  frightened  and  allow  me  to 
remain  on  the  beach,  where  I  might  again  be  tossed  about 
by  the  waves ;  but  as  soon  as  they  stopped,  I  called  in  a 
faint  voice  from  the  bung-hole,  begging  them  for  mercy's 
sake  to  let  me  out. 

At  first  they  appeared  alarmed ;  but,  on  my  repeating 
my  request,  and  stating  that  I  was  the  owner  of  the  ship 
which  was  off  the  land,  and  the  captain  and  crew  had 
mutinied  and  tossed  me  overboard,  they  brought  some 
tools  and  set  me  at  liberty. 

The  first  sight  that  met  my  eyes  after  I  was  released, 
was  my  vessel  lying  a  wreck ;  each  wave  that  hurled  her 
further  on  the  beach,  breaking  her  more  and  more  to 
pieces.  She  was  already  divided  amid-ships,  and  the 
white  foaming  surf  was  covered  with  pipes  of  wine, 
which,  as  fast  as  they  were  cast  on  shore,  were  rolled 
up  by  the  same  people  who  had  released  me.  I  was  so 
worn  out,  that  I  fainted  where  I  lay.  When  I  came  to, 
I  found  myself  in  a  cave  upon  a  bundle  of  capotes,  and 
perceived  a  party  of  forty  or  fifty  men,  who  were  sitting 
by  a  large  fire,  and  emptying  with  great  rapidity  one  of 
my  pipes  of  wine. 

As  soon  as  they  observed  that  I  was  coming  to  my 
senses,  they  poured  some  wine  down  my  throat,  which 
restored  me.  I  was  then  desired  by  one  of  them,  who 
seemed  to  be  the  chief,  to  approach. 

"  The  men  who  have  been  saved  from  the  wreck,"  said 
he,  "  have  told  me  strange  stories  of  your  enormous 
crimes — now,  sit  down,  and  tell  me  the  truth — if  I  believe 
you,  you  shall  have  justice — I  am  cadi  here — if  you  wish 
to  know  where  you  are,  it  is  upon  the  island  of  Ischia — if 
you  wish  to  know  in  what  company,  it  is  in  the  society  of 
those  who  by  illiberal  people  are  called  pirates :  now  tell 
the  truth." 

I  thought  that  with  pirates  my  story  would  be 
received  better  than  with  other  people,  and  I  therefore 
narrated  my  history  to  them,  in  the  same  words  that  I  now 


42  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

have  to  your  highness.  When  I  had  finished,  the  captain 
of  the  gang  observed  :-^ 

"  Well,  then,  as  you  acknowledge  to  have  killed  a  slave, 
to  have  assisted  at  the  death  of  a  Jew,  and  to  have  drowned 
an  aga,  you  certainly  deserve  death ;  but,  on  consideration 
of  the  excellence  of  the  wine,  and  the  secret  which  you 
have  imparted  to  us,  I  shall  commute  your  sentence.  As 
for  the  captain  and  the  remainder  of  the  crew,  they  have 
been  guilty  of  treachery  and  piracy  on  the  high  seas — a 
most  heinous  offence,  which  deserves  instant  death ;  but  as 
it  is  by  their  means  that  we  have  been  put  in  possession 
of  the  wine,  I  shall  be  lenient.  I  therefore  sentence  you 
all  to  hard  labour  for  life.  You  shall  be  sold  as  slaves  in 
Cairo,  and  we  will  pocket  the  money  and  drink  your 
wine." 

The  pirates  loudly  applauded  the  justice  of  a  decision  by 
which  they  benefited,  and  all  appeal  on  our  parts  was  use- 
less. When  the  weather  became  more  settled,  we  were 
put  on  board  one  of  their  small  xebeques,  and  on  our 
arrival  at  this  port  were  exposed  for  sale  and  purchased. 

Such,  pacha,  is  the  history  which  induced  me  to  make 
use  of  the  expressions  which  you  wished  to  be  explained  ; 
and  I  hope  you  will  allow  that  I  have  been  more  unfortunate 
than  guilty,  as  on  every  occasion  in  which  I  took  away  the 
life  of  another,  I  had  only  to  choose  between  that  and  my 
own. 

**  Well,  it  is  rather  a  curious  story,"  observed  the  pacha, 
"  but  still,  if  it  were  not  for  my  promise,  I  certainly  would 
have  your  head  off  for  drowning  the  aga^ — I  consider  it 
excessively  impertinent  in  an  unbelieving  Greek  to  suppose 
that  his  life  is  of  the  same  value  as  that  of  an  aga  of 
janissaries,  and  follower  of  the  prophet ;  but,  however,  my 
promise  was  given,  and  you  may  depart." 

**  The  wisdom  of  your  highness  is  brighter  than  the 
stars  of  heaven,"  observed  Mustapha.  "  Shall  the  slave  be 
honoured  with  your  bounty  ? " 

"  Mashallah  !  bounty  !     I've  given  him  his  life,  and,  as 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  43 

he  considers  it  of  more  valtie  than  an  aga's,  I  think  'tis  a 
vefy  handsome  present.  Drown  an  aga,  indeed !  "  con- 
tinued the  pacha,  rising,  "  but  it  certainly  was  a  very 
curious  story.  Let  it  be  written  down,  Mustapha. 
We'll  hear  the  other  man  to-morrow." 


Chapter    III 

**  Mustapha,"  said  the  pacha  the  next  day,  when  they 
had  closed  the  hall  of  audience,  **  have  you  the  other 
Giaour  in  readiness  ?  " 

"  Bashem  ustun  !  Upon  my  head  be  it,  your  highness. 
The  infidel  dog  waits  but  the  command  to  crawl  into 
your  sublime  presence." 

"  Let  him  approach,  that  our  ears  may  be  gratified. 
Barek  Allah  !  Praise  be  to  God.  There  are  others  who 
can  obtain  stories  besides  the  Caliph  Haroun." 

The  slave  was  ordered  into  the  pacha's  presence.  He 
was  a  dark  man  with  handsome  features,  and  he  walked 
in  with  a  haughty  carriage,  which  neither  his  condition 
nor  tattered  garments  could  disguise.  When  within  a 
few  feet  of  the  carpet  of  state  he  bowed  and  folded  his 
arms  in  silence.  "I  wish  to  know  upon  what  grounds 
you  asserted  that  you  were  so  good  a  judge  of  wine  the 
other  evening,  when  you  were  quarrelling  with  the  Greek 
slave." 

"  I  stated  my  reason  at  the  time,  your  highness,  which 
was,  because  I  had  been  for  many  years  a  monk  of  the 
Dominican  order." 

"I  recollect  that  you  said  so.  What  tirade  is  that, 
Mustapha  ?  "  inquired  the  pacha. 

"  If  your  slave  is  not  mistaken^  a  good  trade  every 
where.  The  infidel  means  that  he  was  a  mollah  or 
dervish  among  the  followers  of  Isauri."  * 

"  May  they  aiid  their  fathers'  graves  be  etefnally  de- 

*  Jesus  Christ. 


44  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

filed,"  cried  the  pacha.  "  Do  not  they  drink  wine  and 
eat  pork  ?  Have  you  nothing  more  to  say  ?  "  inquired 
the  pacha. 

**  My  life  has  been  one  of  interest,"  replied  the  slave, 
"and  if  it  will  please  your  highness,  I  will  narrate  my 
history." 

"  It  is  our  condescension.     Sit  down  and  proceed." 


STORY   OF   THE   MONK. 

May  it  please  your  highness,  I  am  a  Spaniard  by  birth, 
and  ,a  native  of  Seville;  but  whether  my  father  was  a 
grandee,  or  of  a  more  humble  extraction,  I  cannot  posi- 
tively assert.  All  that  I  can  establish  is,  that  when 
reason  dawned,  I  found  myself  in  the  asylum  instituted 
by  government,  in  that  city,  for  those  unfortunate  beings 
who  are  brought  up  upon  black  bread  and  oil,  because 
their  unnatural  parents  either  do  not  choose  to  incur  the 
expense  of  their  maintenance,  or  having,  in  the  first 
instance,  allowed  unlawful  love  to  conquer  shame,  end 
by  permitting  shame  to  overcome  maternal  love. 

It  is  the  custom,  at  a  certain  age,  to  put  these  children 
out  to  different  trades  and  callings  ;  and  those  who  show 
precocity  of  talent  are  often  received  into  the  bosom  of 
the  church. 

Gifted  by  nature  with  a  very  fine  voice  and  correct 
ear  for  music,  I  was  selected  to  be  brought  up  as  a 
chorister  in  a  Dominican  convent  of  great  reputation.  At 
the  age  of  ten  years,  I  was  placed  under  the  charge  of 
the  leader  of  the  choir.  Under  his  directions,  I  was 
fully  occupied  receiving  my  lessons  in  singing,  or  at 
other  times  performing  the  junior  offices  of  the  church, 
such  as  carrying  the  frankincense  or  large  wax  tapers  in 
the  processions.  As  a  child  my  voice  was  much  admired ; 
and  after  the  service  was  over,  I  often  received  presents 
of  sweetmeats  from  the  ladies,  who  brought  them  in 
their  pockets   for  the   little  Anselmo.      As  I   grew  up. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  45 

I  became  a  remarkable  proficient  in  music;  at  the  age 
of  twenty,  I  possessed  a  fine  counter-tenor  ;  and  flattered 
by  the  solicitations  of  the  superior  of  the  convent  and 
other  dignitaries  of  the  church,  I  consented  to  take  the 
vows,  and  became  a  member  of  the  fraternity. 

Although  there  was  no  want  of  liberty  in  our  convent, 
I  was  permitted  even  more  than  the  rest  of  the  monks.  I 
gave  lessons  in  music  and  singing,  and  a  portion  of  my 
earnings  were  placed  in  the  superior's  hands  for  the  benefit 
of  the  fraternity.  Independent  of  this,  my  reputation  was 
spread  all  over  Seville ;  and  hundreds  used  to  attend  the 
mass  performed  in  our  church,  that  they  might  hear  the 
voice  of  brother  Anselmo.  I  was  therefore  considered  as 
a  valuable  property,  and  the  convent  would  have  suffered 
a  great  deal  by  my  quitting  it.  Although  I  could  not  be 
released  from  my  vows,  still  I  could  by  application  have 
been  transferred  to  Madrid;  and  the  superior,  aware  of 
this  circumstance,  allowed  me  every  indulgence,  with  the 
hopes  of  my  being  persuaded  to  remain.  The  money 
which  I  retained  for  my  own  exigencies  enabled  me  to 
make  friends  with  the  porter,  and  I  obtained  egress  or  in- 
gress at  any  hour.  I  was  a  proficient  on  the  guitar  ;  and 
incongruous  as  it  may  appear  with  my  monastic  vows,  I 
often  hastened  from  the  service  at  vespers  to  perform  in  a 
serenade  to  some  fair  senora,  whose  inamorato  required  the 
powers  of  my  voice  to  soften  her  to  his  wishes. 

My  sedillas  and  canzonettas  were  much  admired;  and 
eventually  no  serenade  was  considered  as  effective,  without 
the  assistance  of  the  counter-tenor  of  Anselmo.  I  hardly 
need  observe  that  it  was  very  profitable ;  and  that  I  had 
the  means  of  supplying  myself  with  luxuries  which  the 
rules  of  our  order  did  not  admit.  I  soon  became  irregular 
and  debauched ;  often  sitting  up  whole  nights  with  the 
young  cavaliers,  drinking  and  singing  amorous  songs  for 
their  amusement.  Still,  however,  my  conduct  was  not 
known,  or  was  overlooked  for  the  reasons  which  I  have 
stated  before. 

When  once  a  man  indulges  to  excess  in  wine,  he  is  as- 


46  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

sailed  by,  and  becomes  an  easy  prey  to  every  other  vice. 
This  error  soon  led  me  into  others ;  and,  regardless  of  my 
monastic  vows,  I  often  felt  more  inclined  to  serenade  upon 
my  own  account  than  on  that  of  my  employers.  I  had  the 
advantage  of  a  very  handsome  face,  but  it  was  disguised 
by  the  shaven  crown  and  the  unbecoming  manner  of  cutting 
the  hair ;  the  coarse  and  unwieldly  monastic  dress  belong- 
ing to  our  order  hid  the  symmetry  of  my  limbs,  which 
might  have  otherwise  attracted  notice  on  the  Prado.  I 
soon  perceived  that,  although  my  singing  was  admired  by 
the  other  sex,  their  admiration  went  no  further.  They 
seemed  to  consider  that  in  every  other  point  I  was,  as  I 
ought  to  have  been,  dead  to  the  world. 

There  was  a  young  lady,  Donna  Sophia,  whom  I  had  for 
some  time  instructed  in  music,  who  appeared  to  be  more 
favourably  inclined.  She  was  an  excellent  performer,  and 
passionately  fond  of  the  science :  and  I  have  always  ob- 
served, your  highness,  that  between  the  real  amateurs  of 
harmony  there  is  a  sympathy,  a  description  of  free-masonry, 
which  immediately  puts  them  on  a  level,  and  on  terms  of 
extreme  intimacy ;  so  much  so,  that  were  I  a  married  man, 
and  my  wife  extremely  partial  to  music,  I  should  be  very 
careful  how  I  introduced  to  her  a  person  of  a  similar  feel- 
ing, if  I  possessed  it  not  myself.  I  was  very  much  in  the 
good  graces  of  this  young  lady,  and  flattered  myself  with 
a  successful  issue :  when  one  day,  as  we  were  singing  a 
duet,  a  handsome  young  officer  made  his  appearance.  His 
hair,  which  was  of  the  finest  brown,  curled  in  natural 
ringlets  :  and  his  clothes  were  remarkably  well-fitted  to 
his  slender  and  graceful  figure.  He  was  a  cousin,  who 
had  just  returned  from  Carthagena ;  and  as  he  was  remark- 
ably attentive,  I  soon  perceived  that  all  my  advances  had 
been  thrown  away,  and  that  I  was  more  and  more  in  the 
background  each  morning  that  I  made  my  appearance. 

Annoyed  at  this,  I  ventured  to  speak  too  freely ;  and 
during  his  absence  calumniated  him  to  the  Donna  Sophia, 
hoping  by  these  means  to  regain  my  place  in  her  affections  ; 
but  I  made  a  sad  mistake :  for  not  only  were  my  services 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  47 

dispensed  with  for  the  future,  but,  as  I  afterwards  dis- 
covered, she  stated  to  her  cousin  the  grounds  upon  which 
I  had  been  dismissed. 

I  returned  to  the  convent  in  no  pleasant  mood,  when 
I  was  informed  that  my  presence  had  been  demanded  by 
the  superior.  I  repaired  to  the  parlour,  where  he  stated 
that  my  licentious  conduct  had  come  to  his  ears  5  and  after 
much  upbraiding,  he  concluded  by  ordering  me  to  submit 
to  a  severe  penance.  Aware  that  disobedience  would 
only  be  followed  up  by  greater  severity,  I  bowed  with 
humility  in  my  mien,  but  with  indignation  in  my  breast ; 
and  returning  to  my  cell,  resolved  upon  immediately 
writing  for  my  removal  to  Madrid.  I  had  not  been  there 
many  minutes  when  the  porter  brought  me  a  note.  It  was 
from  Donna  Sophia,  requesting  to  see  me  that  evening, 
and  apologising  for  her  apparent  ill-usage,  which  she  had 
only  assumed  the  better  to  conceal  her  intentions ;  being 
afraid,  at  our  last  interview,  that  her  mother  was  within 
hearing. 

I  was  in  raptures  when  I  perused  the  note,  and  hastened 
to  comply  with  her  request.  Her  directions  were  to 
repair  to  the  back  door,  which  looked  out  upon  some  fields, 
and  give  three  taps.  I  arrived,  and  as  soon  as  I  raised 
my  hand  to  give  the  signal,  was  seized  by  four  men 
in  masks,  who  gagged  and  bound  me.  They  then 
stripped  off  my  friar's  dress,  and  scourged  me  with 
nettles,  until  I  was  almost  frantic  with  the  pain.  When 
their  vengeance  was  satisfied,  they  cast  me  loose,  removed 
the  gag,  and  ran  away.  As  I  then  suspected,  and  after- 
wards discovered  to  be  true,  I  was  indebted  to  the  young 
officer  for  this  treatment,  in  return  for  what  I  had  said, 
and  which  his  mistress  had  repeated.  Smarting  with  pain, 
and  boiling  with  rage,  I  dragged  on  my  clothes  as  well  as 
I  could,  and  began  to  reflect  in  what  manner  I  should  act. 
Conceal  my  situation  from  the  other  members  of  the 
convent  I  could  not ;  and  to  explain  it  would  not  only 
be  too  humiliating,  but  subject  me  to  more  rigorous 
discipline.     At  last,  I  considered  that  out  of  evil  might 


48  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

spring  good  ;  and  gathering  a  large  bundle  of  the  nettles, 
which  grew  under  the  walls,  I  crawled  back  to  the 
convent.  When  I  attained  my  cell,  I  threw  off  my  gown, 
which  was  now  unbearable  from  the  swelling  of  my  limbs, 
and  commenced  thrashing  the  walls  of  my  cell  and  my  bed 
with  the  nettles  which  I  had  procured. 

After  a  short  time  I  moaned  piteously,  and  continued 
so  to  do,  louder  and  louder,  until  some  of  the  friars  got 
up  to  inquire  the  reason  ;  when  they  found  me,  apparently, 
castigating  myself  in  this  cruel  manner.  When  they 
opened  the  door,  I  threw  myself  on  the  bed,  and  cried 
still  more  vociferously.  This  certainly  was  the  only  part 
of  my  conduct  which  was  not  deceptive,  for  I  was  in  the 
most  acute  agony.  To  their  inquiries,  I  told  them  that 
I  had  been  guilty  of  great  enormities :  that  the  superior 
had  reproved  me,  and  ordered  me  penance;  and  that 
I  had  scourged  myself  with  nettles ;  requesting  them 
to  continue  the  application  as  my  strength  had  failed  me. 
With  this  injunction  they  were  too  humane  to  comply. 
Some  went  for  the  surgeon  of  the  convent,  while  others 
reported  the  circumstance  to  the  superior.  The  former 
applied  remedies  which  assuaged  the  pain  :  the  latter  was 
so  pleased  at  my  apparent  contrition,  that  he  gave  me 
absolution,  and  relieved  me  from  the  penance  to  which 
I  had  been  subjected.  When  I  recovered,  I  was  more  in 
favour,  and  was  permitted  the  same  indulgences  as  before. 

But  I  was  some  days  confined  to  my  bed,  during  which 
I  was  continually  reflecting  upon  what  had  passed.  I 
perceived,  to  my  misery,  the  pale  which  I  had  placed 
between  me  and  the  world,  by  embracing  a  monastic  life ; 
and  how  unfit  I  was,  by  temperament,  to  fulfil  my  vows. 
I  cursed  my  father  and  mother,  who  had  been  the  original 
cause  of  my  present  situation.  I  cursed  the  monastic 
dress  which  blazoned  forth  my  unhappy  condition.  Then 
I  thought  of  the  treacherous  girl,  and  planned  schemes  of 
revenge.  I  compared  my  personal  qualifications  with  those 
of  the  young  officer;  and  vanity  suggested,  that  were  it 
not  for  my  vile  professional  disguise,  the  advantage  was 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  49 

on  my  side.  At  last  I  decided  upon  the  steps  that  I 
would  take. 

As  I  before  stated,  my  purse  was  well  supplied  from  the 
lessons  which  I  gave  in  music,  and  from  assisting  at  the 
serenades.  When  I  was  sufficiently  recovered  to  go  out, 
I  proceeded  to  a  barber,  and  on  the  plea  of  continual  head- 
ache, for  which  it  had  been  recommended  that  I  should 
shave  my  head,  requested  him  to  make  me  a  false  tonsure. 
In  a  few  days  it  was  ready,  and  being  very  well  made,  no 
difference  could  be  perceived  between  the  wig  and  my 
own  hair,  which  was  then  removed.  So  far  I  had  suc- 
ceeded; but  as  the  greatest  caution  was  necessary  in  a 
proceeding  of  this  nature,  to  avoid  suspicion,  I  returned  to 
the  convent,  where  I  remained  quiet  for  several  days. 
One  evening  I  again  sallied  forth,  and  when  it  was  quite 
dark  repaired  to  the  friperie  show  of  a  Jew,  where  I 
purchased  a  second-hand  suit  of  cavalier's  clothes,  which 
I  thought  would  fit  me.  I  concealed  them  in  my  cell,  and 
the  next  morning,  went  in  search  of  a  small  lodging  in 
some  obscure  part,  where  I  might  not  be  subject  to 
observation.  This  was  difficult,  but  I  at  last  succeeded 
in  finding  one  to  let,  which  opened  upon  a  general  stair- 
case of  a  house,  which  was  appropriated  to  a  variety  of 
lodgers,  who  were  constantly  passing  and  repassing.  I 
paid  the  first  month  in  advance,  stating  it  would  be 
occupied  by  a  brother,  whom  I  daily  expected ;  in  the 
meantime  took  possession  of  the  key.  I  bought  a  small 
chest,  which  I  had  conveyed  to  my  lodgings,  and  having 
removed  my  cavalier's  dress  from  the  convent,  locked  it  up. 
I  then  remained  quiet  as  before,  not  only  to  avoid  suspicion, 
but  to  ingratiate  myself  with  the  superior,  by  my  supposed 
reformation. 

After  a  few  days,  I  sallied  forth,  and  leaving  a  note  for 
one  of  the  most  skilful  perruquiers  of  Seville,  desired  him 
to  call  at  my  lodgings,  at  an  hour  indicated.  Having 
repaired  there,  to  be  ready  to  receive  him,  I  took  off  my 
monk's  dress  and  false  tonsure,  which  I  locked  up  in  my 
chest ;  I  tied  a  silk  handkerchief  round  my  head,  and  got 


so  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

into  bed,  leaving  the  cavalier's  suit  on  my  chair  near  to  me. 
The  perruquier  knocked  at  the  appointed  time.  I  desired 
him  to  come  in,  apologised  for  my  servant  being  absent  on 
a  message,  and  stating  that  I  had  been  obliged  to  shave 
my  head  on  account  of  a  fever,  from  which  I  had  now- 
recovered,  requested  that  he  would  provide  me  with  a 
handsome  wig.  I  explained  at  his  request  the  colour  and 
description  of  hair  which  I  had  lost ;  and  in  so  doing, 
represented  it  as  much  lighter  than  my  own  really  was, 
and  similar  to  that  of  the  young  officer,  whose  ringlets 
had  been  the  cause  of  my  last  disaster.  I  paid  him  a  part 
of  the  price  down,  and  having  agreed  upon  the  exact  time 
at  which  it  should  be  delivered,  he  departed  ;  when  I  rose 
from  my  bed,  I  resumed  my  monastic  dress  and  tonsure, 
and  returned  to  the  convent. 

During  the  whole  of  the  time  occupied  by  these  trans- 
actions, I  had  been  assiduous  in  laying  up  money,  which 
before  I  had  squandered  as  fast  as  I  obtained  it,  and  had 
realised  a  considerable  sum.  I  could  not  help  comparing 
myself  to  a  chrysalis  previous  to  its  transformation.  I  had 
before  been  a  caterpillar,  I  was  now  all  ready  to  burst  my 
confinement,  and  Hit  about  as  a  gaudy  butterfly.  Another 
week,  I  continued  my  prudent  conduct,  at  the  end  of 
which  I  was  admitted  to  my  superior,  in  whose  hands  I 
placed  a  sum  of  money  which  I  could  very  conveniently 
spare,  and  received  his  benediction  and  commendations  for 
having  weaned  myself  from  my  former  excesses.  With 
a  quickened  pulse,  I  hastened  to  my  lodgings,  and  throw- 
ing off  my  hateful  gown  and  tonsure,  dressed  myself  in 
my  new  attire. 

The  transformation  was  complete.  I  could  not  recognise 
myself.  I  hardly  could  believe  that  the  dashing  young 
cavalier  that  confronted  me  in  the  mirror,  was  the  brother 
Anselmo.  "  Is  this  a  face,"  said  I,  communing  with  my- 
self, "to  be  disfigured  with  a  vile  tonsure  ?  are  these 
limbs  to  be  hid  under  the  repulsive  garment  of  a  monk  ? " 
Again  I  surveyed  myself,  and  it  was  with  difficulty  that  I 
could  tear  myself  away  from  contemplating  my  metamor- 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  51 

phosis.  I  was  indeed  a  butterfly.  At  last,  I  determined 
upon  sallying  forth.  I  locked  up  my  monastic  dress  and 
descended  the  staircase.  I  must  acknowledge,  that  it  was 
with  trepidation  I  ventured  into  the  street,  but  I  had  soon 
reason  to  take  confidence,  for  I  was  met  by  one  of  my 
most  intimate  friends,  who  looked  in  my  face,  and  passed 
on  without  the  slightest  recognition.  Overjoyed  at  this 
circumstance,  I  took  courage,  and  boldly  proceeded  to  the 
Prado,  where  I  was  greeted  with  favourable  glances  from 
the  women,  and  sneers  from  the  men,  both  of  which  I 
considered  equally  flattering.  In  the  evening,  I  returned 
to  my  lodgings,  resumed  the  habit  of  my  order,  and  gained 
the  convent.  I  now  felt  that  there  was  no  chance  of 
discovery,  and  anticipated  the  happiness  which  had  been 
denied  me.  I  subsequently  ordered  the  most  fashionable 
and  expensive  clothes,  hired  my  lodgings  for  six  months, 
assumed  the  name  of  Don  Pedro,  made  the  acquaintance  of 
many  young  men,  and  amongst  others  of  the  oflicer  who 
had  treated  me  so  ill.  He  took  a  fancy  to  me,  which  I 
encouraged  to  further  my  views.  I  became  his  confidant, 
he  informed  me  of  his  amour  with  his  cousin,  adding  that 
he  was  tired  of  the  business,  and  wished  to  break  with 
her ;  also,  as  an  excellent  joke,  the  punishment  which  he 
had  inflicted  upon  the  friar  Anselmo. 

He  was  a  great  proficient  with  the  small  sword,  an 
accomplishment,  which  of  course  had  been  neglected  in  my 
education,  and  which  I  accounted  for  by  stating  that  until 
the  death  of  my  elder  brother,  I  had  been  intended  for 
the  church.  I  accepted  his  oifer  to  be  my  instructor,  and 
my  first  rudiments  in  the  science  were  received  from  him. 
Afterwards  I  applied  to  a  professor,  and,  constantly  prac- 
tising, in  the  course  of  a  few  months,  I  knew,  from 
occasional  trials  of  skill  with  the  officer,  that  I  was  his 
superior.  My  revenge,  which  hitherto  had  been  controlled, 
was  now  ripe. 

But  in  narrating  my  adventures  abroad,  it  must  not  be 
supposed  that  I  neglected  every  thing  that  prudence  or 
caution  could  suggest,  to  avoid  discovery.     On  the  con- 


52  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

trary,  now  that  I  had  the  means  of  enjoying  myself,  I  was 
more  careful  that  I  did  not  by  any  indiscretion  excite 
surmises.  I  generally  devoted  four  days  out  of  the  seven 
in  the  week  to  the  convent  and  to  my  professional  occu- 
pation as  music-master.  To  increase  the  difficulty  of 
identification,  I  became  more  serious  in  my  manner,  more 
dirty  in  my  person,  as  the  brother  Anselmo.  I  pretended 
to  have  imbibed  a  fancy  for  snufF,  with  which  I  soiled  my 
face  and  monastic  attire,  and  seldom  if  ever  spoke,  or  if 
I  did,  in  a  very  solemn  voice.  So  far  from  suspicion,  I 
every  day  gained  more  and  more  the  good  will  of  the 
superior.  My  absence  in  the  day-time  was  not  noticed, 
as  it  was  known  that  I  gave  lessons  in  music,  and  my 
irregularity  during  the  night  was  a  secret  between  the 
porter  and  myself. 

I  hardly  need  observe  that,  as  Don  Pedro,  I  always 
lamented  not  having  been  gifted  with  a  voice,  and  have 
even  in  the  presence  of  my  companions,  sent  a  billet  to 
brother  Anselmo  to  serenade  a  lady  whom  I  courted  as 
Don  Pedro.  I  do  not  believe  until  ulterior  circumstances, 
that  there  was  ever  in  the  mind  of  any  the  slightest  idea 
that,  under  my  dissimilar  habits,  I  was  one  and  the  same 
person. 

But  to  continue  :  one  day  the  young  officer,  whose  name 
was  Don  Lopez,  informed  me  that  he  did  not  know  how  to 
act ;  he  was  so  pestered  with  the  jealousy  and  reproaches 
of  his  mistress  ;  and  requested  my  advice  as  to  how  to 
proceed.  I  laughed  at  his  dilemma.  "  My  dear  Lopez," 
replied  I,  **  introduce  me  to  her,  and  depend  upon  it,  that 
she  will  give  you  no  more  trouble.  I  will  make  love  to 
her,  and,  pleased  with  her  new  conquest,  she  will  soon 
forget  you." 

"  My  good  fellow,"  replied  he,  "  your  advice  is  ex- 
cellent :  will  you  come  with  me  this  afternoon  ? " 

Once  more  I  was  in  the  presence  of  her  whom  I  had 
loved,  but  loved  no  more,  for  I  now  only  felt  and  lived 
for  revenge.  She  had  not  the  most  distant  recognition  of 
me.     Piqued  as  she  was  with  Don  Lopez,  and  fascinated 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  53 

with  my  exertions  to  please,  I  soon  gained  an  interest ; 
but  she  still  loved  him,  between  the  paroxysms  of  her 
hate.  Trying  all  she  could  to  recover  him  at  one  moment, 
and  listening  to  my  attentions  at  another,  he  at  last  accused 
her  of  perfidy,  and  took  his  leave  for  ever.  Then  her 
violence  broke  out,  and  as  a  proof  of  my  attachment,  she 
demanded  that  I  should  call  him  to  account.  I  wished  no 
better,  and  pretending  to  be  so  violently  attached  to  her 
that  I  was  infatuated,  I  took  an  occasion  of  his  laughing  at 
me,  to  give  him  the  lie,  and  demand  satisfaction.  As  it 
was  in  the  presence  of  others,  there  was  no  recall  or  ex- 
planation allowed.  We  met  by  agreement,  alone,  in  the 
very  field  where  I  had  received  my  chastisement ;  I  brought 
with  me  my  monastic  habit  and  tonsure,  which  I  concealed 
before  his  arrival  among  the  very  nettles  which  he  had 
gathered  for  my  chastisement.  The  conflict  was  not  long  : 
after  a  few  thrusts  and  parries,  he  lay  dying  at  my  feet.  I 
immediately  threw  over  my  dress  that  of  the  friar,  and 
exchanging  the  wig  for  the  tonsure,  stood  by  him.  He 
opened  his  eyes,  which  had  closed  from  the  fainting,, 
occasioned  by  the  sudden  gush  from  his  wound,  and 
looked  at  me  with  amazement. 

"  Yes,  Don  Lopez,"  said  I,  "in  Don  Pedro  behold  the 
Friar  Anselmo  ;  he  whom  you  scourged  with  nettles  ;  he 
who  has  revenged  the  insult."  I  then  threw  off  the  monk's 
dress,  and  exposed  to  him  the  other  beneath  it,  and 
changing  my  tonsure  for  the  wig,  "now  you  are  convinced 
of  the  truth,"  added  I,  "  and  now  I  have  my  revenge." 

"  I  am,  I  am,"  replied  he  faintly  ;  "  but  if  you  have 
slain  me  as  Don  Pedro,  now  that  I  am  dying,  I  entreat  you, 
as  brother  Anselmo,  to  give  me  absolution.  Carry  not 
your  revenge  so  far  as  to  deny  me  this." 

I  could  not  refuse ;  and  I  gave  absolution  in  the  one 
costume,  to  the  man  who  had  fallen  by  my  hand  in  the 
other  :  for  my  own  part,  I  thought  it  was  an  absurdity, 
but  my  revenge  was  satisfied,  and  I  would  not  refuse  him 
such  a  poor  consolation. 

A  few  minutes  afterwards  he  expired,  and  I  hastened  to 


54  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

my  lodgings,  changed  my  dress,  and  repaired  to  the 
convent,  where,  as  Don  Pedro  I  wrote  to  Donna  Sophia, 
informing  her  of  what  had  taken  place,  and  of  my  having 
absconded  until  the  hue  and  cry  should  be  over.  For 
three  weeks  I  remained  in  the  convent,  or  only  appeared 
abroad  as  the  Friar  Anselmo.  I  brought  a  considerable 
sum  to  the  superior  for  the  use  of  the  church,  partly  to 
satisfy  the  qualms  of  conscience  which  assailed  me  for  the 
crime  which  I  had  committed ;  partly  that  I  might  continue 
in  his  good  graces. 

At  the  expiration  of  the  time  I  sent  a  note  to  the  young 
lady,  as  from  Don  Pedro,  acquainting  her  with  my  return, 
and  my  intention  to  call  upon  her  in  the  dusk  of  the 
evening.  I  went  to  my  lodgings,  dressed  myself  as  Don 
Pedro,  and  tapping  at  her  door,  was  admitted ;  but  instead 
of  being  cordially  greeted,  as  I  expected,  I  was  repulsed, 
loaded  with  abuse,  and  declared  an  object  of  detestation. 
It  appeared  that,  although  in  her  rage  at  the  desertion  of 
her  lover,  she  had  listened  to  the  dictates  of  revenge,  now 
that  he  was  no  more,  all  her  affection  for  him  had  revived. 
I  returned  her  upbraiding,  and  quitted  the  room  to  leave 
the  house :  but  she  had  no  intention  that  I  should  escape, 
and  had  stationed  two  of  her  relations  below,  ready  to 
intercept  me. 

She  called  to  them  as  I  descended  the  stairs ;  when  I 
arrived  at  the  hall,  I  found  them  with  drawn  swords  to 
dispute  my  passage.  I  had  no  resource  but  to  fight  my 
way;  and  charging  them  furiously,  I  severely  wounded 
one,  and  shortly  afterwards  disarmed  the  other,  just  as 
the  enraged  fair  one,  who  perceived  that  I  was  gaining 
the  day,  had  run  behind  me  and  seized  my  arms  ;  but 
she  was  too  late :  I  threw  her  indignantly  upon  the 
wounded  man,  and  walked  out  of  the  house.  As  soon 
as  I  was  in  the  street,  I  took  to  my  heels,  gained  my 
lodgings,  changed  my  dress,  and  repaired  to  the  convent. 

This  adventure  sobered  me  much.  I  now  remained 
quiet  for  some  months,  never  assuming  my  dress  as  Don 
Pedro,  lest  the  officers  of  justice  should  lay  hold  of  me. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  S5 

I  became  more  rigid  and  exact  in  my  duties,  and  more 
austere  in  my  manner. 

The  several  confessional  chairs  in  our  church  were 
usually  occupied  by  the  senior  monks,  although,  when 
absent  from  sickness  or  other  causes,  the  juniors  occasion- 
ally supplied  their  place.  One  of  the  monks  had  been 
taken  ill,  and  I  knew  that  the  mother  of  the  young  lady, 
who  was  very  strict  in  her  religious  duties,  confessed  at 
that  chair  every  Friday ;  I  took  possession  of  it,  with  the 
hopes  that  I  should  find  out  some  means  of  prosecuting 
my  revenge.  The  young  lady  also  confessed  at  the  same 
chair,  when  she  did  come,  which  was  but  seldom.  Since 
the  death  of  her  lover,  she  had  never  made  her  appearance. 

As  I  anticipated,  the  mother  came,  and  after  having 
run  over  a  string  of  peccadilloes,  for  which  I  ordered 
a  slight  penance,  I  inquired,  through  the  punctured 
communication  on  the  side  of  the  confessional  chair, 
whether  she  had  not  children,  to  which  she  answered 
in  the  affirmative.  I  then  asked  when  her  daughter  had 
confessed  last.  She  mentioned  a  long  date,  and  I  com- 
menced a  serious  expostulation  upon  the  neglect  of 
parents,  desiring  that  her  daughter  might  be  brought 
to  confess,  or  otherwise  I  should  be  obliged  to  inflict 
a  penance  of  some  hundred  Pater-Nosters  and  Ave-Marias 
upon  herself,  for  not  attending  to  her  parental  duties. 
The  old  lady,  who  had  no  wish  to  submit  to  her  own 
penance,  promised  to  bring  her  daughter  the  next  day, 
and  she  was  true  to  her  word.  Donna  Sophia  appeared 
to  come  very  unwillingly.  As  soon  as  she  had  taken  her 
seat  by  the  confessional  chair,  she  made  a  confession  of 
a  hundred  little  nothings,  and  having  finished  her  cata- 
logue, stopped  as  if  waiting  for  absolution. 

**Have  you  made  no  reservation?"  inquired  I,  in  the 
low  muttering  tone  which  is  used  at  the  confessional ;  for 
although  neither  party  can  distinguish  the  person  of  the 
other,  I  did  not  wish  her  to  recognise  my  voice. 

"  Every  thing,"  replied  she,  in  a  faint  whisper. 

**  My  daughter,"  replied  I,  "  by  your  trembling  answer, 


56  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

I  know  that  you  are  deceiving  yourself  and  me.  I  am  an 
old  man,  and  have  been  too  many  years  in  this  chair,  not 
to  ascertain  by  the  answers  which  I  receive,  whether  the 
conscience  is  unloaded.  Yours,  I  am  convinced,  has 
something  pressing  heavily  upon  it ;  something  for  which 
you  would  fain  have  absolution,  but  which  you  are 
ashamed  to  reveal.  If  not  a  principal,  you  have  been 
a  party  to  crime;  and  never  shall  you  have  absolution 
until  you  have  made  a  full  confession."  Her  heart 
swelled  with  emotion,  she  attempted  to  speak,  and  burst 
into  tears.  *' These  are  harbingers  of  good,"  observed 
I  j  "  I  am  now  convinced  that  my  supposition  was  correct : 
pour  out  your  soul  in  tribulation,  and  receive  that  comfort 
which  I  am  empowered  to  bestow.  Courage,  my  daughter  ! 
the  best  of  us  are  but  grievous  sinners."  As  soon  as  she 
could  check  her  sobbing,  she  commenced  her  confession  ; 
narrating  her  penchant  for  me,  her  subsequent  attachment 
to  the  young  officer,  my  abuse  of  him,  and  the  punishment 
which  had  ensued — his  desertion,  the  introduction  of  Don 
Pedro,  her  pique  at  having  instigated  him  to  kill  her 
lover,  his  death,  and  all  that  I  have  narrated  to  your 
highness. 

''These  are  serious  crimes,  my  daughter!  grievous  in- 
deed ;  you  have  yielded  to  the  tempter  in  your  own  person, 
caused  the  death  of  one  man,  you  have  led  another  astray, 
and  have  deceived  him,  when  he  claimed  the  reward  of  his 
iniquity ;  but  all  these  are  trifles  compared  to  the  offence 
upon  the  holy  monk,  which  is  the  worst  of  sacrilege.  And 
what  was  his  fault  ?  that  he  cautioned  you  against  a  person, 
whose  subsequent  conduct  has  proved,  that  the  worthy  man 
was  correct  in  his  suppositions. 

"In  every  way  you  have  offended  Heaven;  a  whole 
life  will  be  scarce  sufficient  for  the  task  of  repentance, 
laying  aside  the  enormous  crime  of  sacrilege,  which,  in 
justice,  ought  to  be  referred  to  the  Inquisition.  Excom- 
munication is  more  fitting  in  your  case  than  absolution." 
I  waited  some  time  before  I  again  spoke,  during  which 
she  sobbed  bitterly.     "  My  daughter,"  observed  I,  "  before 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  57 

I  can  decide  upon  what  is  to  be  done  to  save  you  from 
everlasting  perdition,  it  is  necessary  that  you  humble  your- 
self before  the  religious  man,  whose  person  you  have 
abused.  Send  to  the  convent  to  which  he  belongs,  and 
entreat  him  to  come  ;  and  when  you  have  confessed  your 
crime,  offer  to  him  the  same  implements  of  punishment, 
which  through  your  instigation  were  so  sacrilegiously 
applied.  Submit  to  his  sentence,  and  the  penance  which 
he  may  prescribe.  "When  you  have  done  that,  repair  again 
to  me.     I  shall  be  in  this  chair  the  day  after  to-morrow." 

The  girl  muffled  up  her  face,  waited  a  few  minutes  to 
compose  herself,  and  then  returned  to  her  mother,  who 
wondered  what  could  have  detained  her  so  long. 

That  evening,  I  received  a  note  from  Donna  Sophia, 
requesting  me  to  call  on  the  ensuing  day.  I  found  her  in 
her  room,  she  had  been  weeping  bitterly,  and  when  I 
entered  coloured  up  with  shame  and  vexation ;  but  she 
had  been  too  much  frightened  on  the  day  before,  to  resist 
the  injunctions  which  she  had  received  :  a  large  bundle  of 
nettles  lay  on  the  chair ;  and  when  I  entered  she  turned 
the  key  of  the  door,  and  falling  down  on  her  knees,  with 
many  tears  made  a  full  confession.  I  expressed  the  utmost 
horror  and  surprise  ;  she  embraced  my  knees,  implored  my 
pardon,  and  then,  pointing  to  the  nettles,  requested  I 
would  use  them  if  I  thought  proper.  Having  said  this, 
she  covered  her  face  with  her  hands,  and  remained  on  her 
knees  in  silence. 

I  must  confess,  that  when  I  called  to  mind  the  punish- 
ment which  had  been  inflicted  on  me  through  her  means, 
and  the  manner  in  which  she  had  attempted  to  betray  me 
to  my  death,  I  felt  very  much  inclined  to  revenge  myself 
by  scourging  her  severely  ;  but  although  the  affection  I 
once  felt  for  her  had  passed  away,  I  had  a  natural  tender- 
ness for  the  sex,  which  made  me  abandon  this  petty  revenge. 
My  object  was  to  remove  her,  so  that  I  might  not  be  re- 
cognised in  my  worldly  attire  ;  and  she,  I  knew,  was  the 
only  person  who  could  prove  that  I  had  killed  her  lover. 
I  therefore  raised  her  up,  and  telling  her  that  I  was  satis- 


S8  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

fied  with  her  repentance,  and,  as  far  as  I  was  personally 
concerned,  forgave  her  ill-treatment,  desired  her  to  repair 
to  her  confessor,  who  was  the  proper  person  to  award  a 
punishment  for  such  a  catalogue  of  heinous  crimes.  The 
next  day  I  was  in  the  confessional,  when  she  narrated  all 
that  had  passed  :  I  then  told  her  she  had  nothing  to  do,  but 
to  propitiate  Heaven  by  dedicating  her  musical  talents  to 
its  service  ;  pointing  out,  that  her  only  chance  of  salvation 
was  from  immediately  taking  the  veil.  I  refused  to  listen 
to  any  other  species  of  penance,  however  severe,  for  which 
she  gladly  would  have  compromised  the  sentence.  Goaded 
by  her  conscience,  miserable  at  the  desertion  and  death  of 
her  lover,  and  alarmed  at  the  threats  of  excommunication, 
in  less  than  a  week  she  repaired  to  the  Ursuline  Convent ; 
and,  after  a  short  probation,  she  took  the  veil,  and  was 
admitted  as  one  of  the  sisterhood. 

As  soon  as  my  only  accuser  was  fairly  locked  up,  I  occa- 
sionally resumed  my  dress  and  wig.  I  say  occasionally, 
because  in  the  society  which  I  chiefly  delighted  in,  and  in 
which  I  became  the  connoisseur  of  good  wine,  that  I 
asserted  myself  to  be,  when  your  highness  overheard  me, 
I  had  no  occasion  for  it,  being  quite  as  well  received  when 
I  sang  and  played  the  guitar  in  my  monkish  dress,  as  I 
should  have  been  in  my  other.  Besides  which,  I  never  had 
to  pay  when  in  that  costume,  as  I  was  obliged  to  do  when 
I  sported  the  other  ;  which  was  only  put  on  when  I  wished 
to  make  myself  agreeable  to  any  fair  one.  I  hardly  need 
observe,  that  I  took  great  care  to  avoid  the  society  in  the  one 
dress  with  which  I  mixed  in  the  other.  This  disguise  I 
continued  very  successfully  for  three  years,  when  a  circum- 
stance occurred,  which  ended  in  my  discovery,  and  my 
eventually  becoming  a  slave  in  your  highness's  dominions. 

For  some  time  I  had  taught  the  niece  of  an  elderly  lady, 
who  was  of  noble  family  and  very  rich.  The  aunt  was 
always  present  at  the  lessons ;  and,  knowing  that  she  was 
very  devout,  I  rejected  all  songs  that  were  of  an  amorous 
tendency,  and  would  only  practise  such  as  were  unimpeach- 
able.    In  my  demeanour  I  was  always  sedate  and  respectful 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  59 

— full  of  humility  and  self-accusation.  When  I  received 
my  money  from  the  old  lady,  I  used  to  thank  her  in  the 
name  of  our  convent,  for  whose  use  it  was  to  be  appro- 
priated, and  call  her  donation  a  charity,  for  which  Heaven 
would  reward  her.  Her  confessor  died,  and  the  old  lady 
chose  me  to  supply  his  place.  This  was  what  I  was 
anxious  to  obtain,  and  I  redoubled  my  zeal,  my  humility, 
and  my  flattery. 

It  was  not  that  I  had  originally  any  design  upon  the 
affections  of  the  niece,  although  she  was  a  very  pretty  girl, 
but  upon  the  old  lady's  purse,  for  I  knew  that  she  could 
not  last  for  many  years.  On  the  contrary,  I  was  anxious, 
if  possible,  to  have  the  niece  removed,  as  it  was  supposed 
that  she  would  inherit  the  old  lady's  doubloons ;  but  this 
required  time  and  opportunity,  and,  in  the  mean  while,  I 
assiduously  cultivated  the  old  lady's  good  graces.  She 
used  to  confess  once  a  week ;  and  I  often  observed  that 
she  acknowledged  as  a  sin,  thinking  too  much  of  one  who 
had  led  her  from  her  duty  in  former  days,  and  for  whom 
she  still  felt  too  much  worldly  passion.  One  evening  when 
the  clock  had  struck  ten,  we  had  laid  down  the  cards,  which 
we  occasionally  played,  it  being  the  day  and  her  usual  hour 
for  confessing.  Again  she  repeated  the  same  offence,  and 
I  then  delicately  hinted,  that  she  might  be  more  at  ease  if 
she  were  to  confide  to  me  the  circumstances  connected  with 
her  compunctions.  She  hesitated ;  but  on  my  pointing  out 
to  her  that  there  ought  to  be  no  reservation,  and  that  the 
acknowledgment  of  the  compunction  arising  from  a  sin 
was  not  that  of  the  sin  itself,  she  acquiesced.  Her  con- 
fession referred  to  her  early  days,  when,  attached  to  a 
young  cavalier,  against  the  wishes  of  her  parents,  under  a 
solemn  promise  of  marriage,  she  had  consented  to  receive 
him  into  her  chamber.  The  intercourse  continued  for  some 
time,  when  it  was  discovered.  Her  lover  had  been  way- 
laid and  murdered  by  her  relations,  and  she  had  been 
thrown  into  a  convent.  There  she  had  been  confined,  and 
the  child  removed  as  soon  as  it  was  born  :  she  had  resisted 
all  the  force  and  threats  employed  to  induce  her  to  take  the 


6o  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

veil ;  and  at  the  death  of  her  father  had  been  released  and 
came  into  possession  of  her  property,  of  which  they  could 
not  deprive  her:  that  she  made  every  endeavour  to  find 
out  to  where  her  child  had  been  removed,  and  at  last  dis- 
covered that  it  had  been  sent  to  the  Foundling  Asylum ; 
but  this  information  was  not  obtained  until  some  years  after- 
wards, and  all  the  children  sent  there  at  the  period  had 
been  dispersed.  Never  having  married,  her  thoughts 
would  revert  to  the  scenes  which  had  taken  place  with  her 
adored  Felix,  although  years  had  rolled  away,  and  she  felt 
that  she  was  wrong  to  dwell  upon  what  in  itself  had  been 
so  criminal. 

I  listened  to  her  story  with  great  interest,  for  the  idea 
occurred  to  me,  that  I  might  be  the  unfortunate  offspring  of 
their  loves,  and  if  not,  that  in  all  probability  the  old  lady 
might  be  induced  so  to  believe.  I  inquired  whether  her 
child  had  any  marks  by  which  he  could  be  recognised. 
She  answered,  that  she  made  most  particular  inquiries  of 
the  people  who  attended  her,  and  that  one  of  the  women 
had  stated  that  the  child  had  a  large  wart  upon  the  back  of 
its  neck :  this  however  was  not  likely  to  remain,  and  she 
had  abandoned  all  hopes  of  its  discovery. 

I  observed  that  warts  were  easily  removed  when  con- 
tracted accidentally,  but  that  those  which  appeared  at  the 
birth  were  no  more  to  be  removed  than  moles.  I  then 
turned  the  conversation,  by  stating  that  I  could  not  consider 
her  conduct  criminal  j  it  was  more  than  could  be  expected 
from  human  nature,  that  she  should  not  retain  affection  for 
one  who  had  lived  with  her  as  a  husband,  and  died  for  her 
sake.  I  gave  her  absolution  for  half  a  dozen  Ave-Marias, 
and  took  my  leave  for  the  night.  When  I  lay  on  my  pallet, 
I  reflected  upon  what  had  passed ;  the  year  and  month 
agreed  exactly  with  the  time  at  which  I  had  been  sent  to 
the  Asylum.  A  wart,  as  she  very  truly  observed,  might 
disappear.  Might  not  I  be  the  very  son  whom  she  was 
lamenting  ?  The  next  morning  I  repaired  to  the  Asylum, 
and  demanded  the  date  of  my  reception,  with  all  the 
particulars,  which  were  invariably  registered  in  case  of  the 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  61 

infants  being  eventually  claimed.  It  was  in  the  month  of 
February.  There  was  one  other  entry  in  the  same  month, 
same  day,  and  nearly  the  same  hour  as  my  own. 

"  At  nine  at  night,  a  male  infant  left  at  the  door  in  a 
basket,  parties  absconded,  no  marks,  named  Anselmo." 

**  At  ten  at  night,  a  male  infant  brought  to  the  door 
in  a  capote,  parties  absconded,  no  marks,  named  Jacobo." 

It  appeared  then  that  there  were  two  children  brought 
within  an  hour  of  each  other  to  the  Asylum,  and  that  I 
was  one  of  them.  In  the  evening  I  returned  to  the  old 
lady,  and  accidentally  resumed  the  subject  of  her  not  having 
made  further  search  for  her  child,  and  asked  if  she  had 
the  precise  date.  She  answered  that  she  had  it  in  her 
memory  too  well,  and  it  was  on  the  1 8th  of  February ; 
and  that  when  she  referred  to  the  Asylum,  they  had 
informed  her  that  the  children  brought  in  February  had  no 
marks ;  that  they  had  all  been  sent  away,  but  where  they 
could  not  tell,  as  the  former  governor  had  died,  and  he 
was  the  only  person  who  could  give  the  information. 
That  either  I  or  the  other  was  her  child  was  clear,  but  to 
prove  which,  was  impossible.  It  however  made  me  less 
scrupulous  about  my  plan  of  proceeding,  which  was  to 
identify  myself  with  the  child  she  had  lost.  It  was  useless 
to  prove  that  I  was  sent  in  on  that  day  as  there  was  a 
competitor;  besides  which,  my  monastic  vows  were  at 
variance  with  my  '  speculation  :  I  therefore  resolved  to 
satisfy  her,  if  I  could  not  satisfactorily  prove  it  to  myself 
or  to  the  rest  of  the  world,  and  I  took  my  measures 
accordingly. 

It  was  in  my  worldly  disguise,  that  I  determined  to 
attempt  my  purpose;  and  as  it  was  necessary  to  have  a 
wart  on  my  neck,  I  resolved  to  obtain  one  as  soon  as 
possible.  This  was  easily  managed :  a  friar  of  the  convent 
was  troubled  with  these  excrescences,  and  I  jocularly 
proposed  a  trial  to  see  whether  it  was  true  that  the  blood 
of  them  would  inoculate.  In  a  fortnight  I  had  a  wart  on 
my  finger  which  soon  became  large,  and  I  then  applied  the 
blood  of  it  to  my  neck.     Within  three  months  I  had  a 


62  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

large  wart  on  the  back  of  my  neck,  or  rather  a  conglomera- 
tion of  them,  which  I  had  produced  by  inoculation,  assisted 
by  constant  irritation :  during  this  period  I  was  not  so 
frequent  in  my  attendance  upon  the  old  lady,  excusing 
myself  on  account  of  the  duties  of  the  convent  which 
devolved  upon  me.  The  next  point  was  how  to  introduce 
myself  in  my  other  apparel.  This  required  some  reflection, 
as  it  would  be  but  occasionally  that  I  could  make  my 
appearance.  After  some  reflection,  I  determined  that  the 
niece  should  assist  me,  for  I  knew  that  even  if  I  succeeded 
in  my  plans,  she  would  be  a  participator  in  the  property 
which  I  wished  to  secure.  Often  left  in  her  company,  I 
took  opportunities  of  talking  of  a  young  friend  whom 
I  highly  extolled.  When  I  had  raised  her  curiosity,  I 
mentioned  in  a  laughing  manner,  that  I  suspected  he  was 
very  much  smitten  with  her  charms,  as  I  had  often  found 
him  watching  at  the  house  opposite.  An  admirer  is 
always  a  source  of  gratification  to  a  young  girl;  her 
vanity  was  flattered,  and  she  asked  me  many  particulars. 
I  answered  them  so  as  to  inflame  her  curiosity,  describing 
his  person  in  a  very  favourable  manner,  and  extolling  his 
good  qualities.  I  also  minutely  described  his  dress.  After 
the  music  lesson  was  over,  I  returned  to  my  lodgings, 
arrayed  myself  in  my  best  suit,  and  putting  on  my  curling 
ringlets,  walked  up  and  down  before  the  window  of  the 
house.  The  niece  soon  recognised  me  as  the  person  whose 
dress  and  appearance  I  had  so  minutely  described,  one 
moment  showing  herself  at  the  window,  at  another  darting 
away  with  all  the  coquetry  of  her  sex.  I  perceived  that 
she  was  flattered  with  her  conquest ;  and,  after  parading 
myself  for  a  short  time,  I  disappeared. 

When  I  called  the  next  day  in  my  monastic  costume, 
I  had  a  billet-doux  ready  in  my  pocket.  The  singing 
commenced :  I  soon  found  out  that  she  had  a  prepossession, 
from  her  selecting  a  song  which  in  the  presence  of  her 
aunt  I  should  have  put  on  one  side,  but  it  now  suited  my 
purpose  that  she  should  be  indulged.  When  the  aunt 
made  her  appearance  we  stopped,  and  commenced  another : 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  6;^ 

by  this  little  ruse  I  became  a  sort  of  confidant,  and  the 
intimacy  which  I  desired  was  brought  about.     When  we 
had  practised  two  or  three  songs,  Donna  Celia,  the  aunt, 
left  the  room :  I  then  observed  that  I  had  seen  the  young 
cavalier  whom  I  had  mentioned,  and  that  he  appeared  to 
be  more  infatuated  than  ever :  that  he  had  requested  me  as 
a  favour  to  speak  on  his  behalf,  but  that  I  had  threatened 
to  acquaint  her  aunt  if  he  mentioned  the  subject ;  for  I 
considered  that  my  duty  as  a  confessor  in  the  family  would 
be   very   irreconcileable   with   carrying   clandestine   love- 
messages.     I  acknowledged   that  I  pitied   his   condition; 
for    to    see    the    tears    that    he    shed,    and    listen    to    the 
supplications  which  he  had  made,  would  have   softened 
almost   any   body ;    but   that   notwithstanding   my   great 
regard  for  him,  I  thought  it  inconsistent  with  my  duty 
to  interfere  in  such  a  business  :  I  added,  that  he  had  told 
me  that  he  had  walked  before  the  house  yesterday  after- 
noon,  with  the  hopes  of  meeting  one  of  the  servants, 
whom  he  might  bribe  to  convey  a  letter ;  and  that  I  had 
threatened  to  acquaint  Donna  Celia  if  he  mentioned  the 
subject   again.     Donna   Clara  (for   such  was   her   name) 
appeared    very   much  annoyed   at   my  pretended   rigour, 
but  said  nothing.     After  a  little  while,  I  asked  her  if  she 
had  seen  him  -,  she  replied  in  the  affirmative  without  further 
remarks.     Her  work-box  lay  upon  the  sofa,  upon  which 
she  had  been  seated,  and  I  put  the  note  in  it  without  being 
perceived.     The  lesson  was  finished,  and  I  repaired  to  her 
aunt's    apartments   to   pay  her   a  visit   in  the   quality  of 
confessor.     After  half-an-hour's  conversation,  I  returned 
through  the  saloon,  where  I  had  left  Donna  Clara :  she 
was  at  her  embroidery,  and  had  evidently  seen  and  read 
the  note,  for  she  coloured  up  when  I  entered.     I  took  no 
notice,  but,  satisfied  that  she  had  read  it,  I  bade  her  adieu. 
In  the  note,  I  had  implored  her  for  an  answer,  and  stated 
that  I  should  be  under  her  window  during  the  whole  night. 
As  soon  as  it  was  dark,  I  dressed  myself  as  Don  Pedro, 
and  repaired   to  the   street,  striking  a  few  notes  on  the 
guitar  to  attract   her  attention.     I  remained  there  more 


64  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

than  half-an-hour,  when  the  casement  opened,  and  a  little 
hand  threw  out  a  billet,  which  fell  at  my  feet :  I  kissed  it 
with  apparent  rapture,  and  retired.  When  I  gained  my 
lodgings,  I  opened  it,  and  found  it  as  favourable  as  I 
could  hope.     My  plan  then  was  to  act  as  her  confidant. 

When  I  called  the  next  day,  I  told  her  that,  satisfied 
with  the  honourable  intentions  of  the  young  cavalier, 
he  had  overcome  my  scruples,  and  I  had  consented  to 
speak  in  his  behalf:  that  I  thought  it  was  not  right;  but 
the  state  of  the  young  man  was  so  deplorable,  that  I  could 
not  withstand  his  entreaties ;  but  that  I  expected  that  no 
steps  would  be  taken  by  either  party  without  my  con- 
currence ;  and  with  this  proviso,  if  she  was  pleased  with 
the  young  cavalier,  I  would  exert  my  influence  in  their 
behalf.  Donna  Clara's  face  beamed  with  delight  at  my 
communication :  and  she  candidly  acknowledged,  as  she 
had  before  in  the  note,  that  his  person  and  his  character 
were  by  no  means  displeasing.  I  then  produced  another 
note,  which  I  said  he  had  prevailed  upon  me  to  deliver. 
After  this,  affairs  went  on  successfully.  I  repeatedly 
met  her  in  the  evening ;  and  although  I  at  first  was 
indifferent,  yet  I  soon  became  attached  from  the  many 
amiable  and  endearing  qualities  which  love  had  brought 
to  light.  She  one  day  observed  that  there  was  a  strong 
resemblance  between  Don  Pedro  and  me,  but  the 
possibility  of  a  serious  shaven  monk,  and  a  gay  cavalier 
with  his  curling  locks,  being  one  and  the  same  person, 
never  entered  her  head.  When  I  considered  matters  ripe, 
I  called  upon  Donna  Celia,  and,  with  the  preamble  that 
I  had  something  of  importance  to  communicate,  informed 
her  I  had  discovered  that  a  young  man  was  attached 
to  her  niece  ;  and  that  I  strongly  suspected  the  regard 
was  reciprocal ;  that  I  knew  the  young  cavalier  very  well, 
who  was  very  amiable,  and  possessed  many  good  qualities, 
but  there  seemed  to  be  a  mystery  about  his  family,  as  he 
never  mentioned  th«m.  I  ended  by  observing,  that  I 
considered  it  my  duty  to  acquaint  her  with  the  circum- 
stance ;    as  if  she    objected  to   the   match,  or  had   other 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  6^ 

views  for  her  niece,  an  immediate  stop  ought  to  be  put 
to  their  correspondence. 

The  old  lady  was  very  much  astonished  at  the  informa- 
tion, and  very  angry  that  her  niece  should  have  presumed 
to  make  an  acquaintance  without  her  knowledge.  I 
waited  until  she  had  said  all  she  could  think  of,  and  then 
calmly  took  up  the  right  of  a  confessor,  pointing  out  that 
she  had  herself  fallen  into  the  same  error  in  her  youthful 
days  J  that  the  young  man  had  confessed  to  me  that  his 
views  were  honourable ;  but  had  not  an  idea,  at  the  time, 
that  I  was  acquainted  with  the  family.  Donna  Celia  then 
appeared  to  be  more  pacified,  and  asked  many  questions  : 
all  that  she  seemed  to  object  to,  was  the  mystery  about 
his  family,  which  at  her  request  I  promised  to  clear  up 
before  any  other  steps  should  be  taken.  Cautioning  her 
against  any  violence  of  language  to  her  niece,  I  took  my 
leave.  As  I  went  out  I  spoke  a  few  words  to  Clara, 
informing  her  of  the  denouement  which  had  taken  place,  and 
recommending  her  by  no  means  to  irritate  her  aunt,  but 
to  be  very  penitent  when  she  was  reproved.  Clara  obeyed 
my  injunctions,  and  the  next  day,  when  I  called,  I  found 
her  sitting  by  the  side  of  Donna  Celia,  who  was  apparently 
reconciled.  I  motioned  Clara  out  of  the  room,  when 
Donna  Celia  informed  me  that  she  had  acknowledged 
her  error ;  and  as  she  had  promised  for  the  future  to  be 
regulated  by  her  advice,  she  had  overlooked  her  indiscre- 
tion. When  she  had  finished :  "  Prepare  yourself, 
madam,"  said  I,  "  for  strange  tidings — the  ways  of  Heaven 
are  wonderful.  Last  evening  I  had  an  explanation  with 
the  young  cavalier,  Don  Pedro,  and  he  proves  to  be — 
that  son  whose  loss  you  have  so  much  lamented." 

"  Merciful  heaven  !"  cried  the  old  lady,  and  she  fainted 
away.  As  soon  as  she  recovered,  she  cried  out,  "  Oh 
where  is  he !  bring  him  to  me — let  a  mother's  eyes  be 
blessed  with  his  sight — let  the  yearnings  of  a  mother's 
heart  be  recompensed  in  his  embraces — let  the  tears  of 
affection  be  wept  upon  his  bosom." 

"  Calm  yourself,  my  dear   madam,"   replied  I :   **  the 

P  B 


66  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

proofs  you  have  not  yet  seen.  First  be  satisfied,  and  then 
indulge  in  your  deJightful  anticipation.  When  I  pressed 
Don  Pedro  upon  the  subject  of  his  family,  I  told  him 
candidly  that  his  only  chance  of  success  was  unlimited 
confidence :  he  acknowledged  that  he  had  been  sent  to 
the  Asylum  when  an  infant,  and  that  he  did  not  know 
his  parents ;  that  the  mystery  and  consequent  stigma 
on  his  birth  had  been  a  source  of  mortification  to  him 
through  life.  I  asked  him  if  he  knew  his  age,  or  had 
a  copy  of  the  register  of  his  reception.  He  took  it  out 
of  a  small  cabinet ;  it  was  on  the  1 8th  of  February, 
in  the  same  year  that  your  child  was  sent  there.  Still 
as  I  was  not  sure,  I  stated  that  I  would  call  upon  him 
this  morning,  and  see  what  could  be  done ;  assuring  him 
that  his  candid  avowal  had  created  strong  interest  in  his 
favour.  This  morning  I  repaired  to  the  Asylum,  when  I 
examined  the  register.  Two  children  were  brought  in  on 
that  night  :  here  is  the  extract,  and  I  feel  much  mortified, 
as  you  will  observe,  that  no  marks  are  mentioned.  If, 
therefore,  the  wart  you  spoke  of  was  not  still  remaining, 
the  uncertainty  would  have  been  as  great  as  ever.  When 
I  returned  to  him  about  an  hour  since,  I  renewed  the 
subject,  and  stated  that  I  thought  it  was  the  custom  to 
make  a  note  of  any  particular  marks  upon  the  children,  by 
which  they  might  be  eventually  reclaimed.  He  replied 
that  it  was  customary  when  they  were  indelible,  but  not 
otherwise :  that  he  had  no  indelible  mark,  although  a 
large  wart  had  been  on  the  back  of  his  neck  as  long  as  he 
could  remember ;  *  but,'  added  he,  *  it  is  of  no  use, — 
all  hopes  of  finding  my  parents  have  long  since  been 
abandoned,  and  I  must  submit  to  my  unfortunate  destiny. 
I  have  thought  upon  what  has  passed,  and  I  feel  that 
I  have  acted  wrong.  Without  family  and  without  name, 
what  right  have  I  to  aspire  to  the  hand  of  any  young  lady 
of  good  parentage  ?  I  have  made  the  resolution  to 
conquer  my  feelings ;  and  before  the  intimacy  has  been 
carried  on  to  an  extent  that  a  rupture  would  occasion 
any  pangs  to  her  that  I  adore,  I  will  retire  from  Seville,, 
and  lament  in  solitude  my  unfortunate  condition.' 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  6^ 

*'  *  Are  you  capable  of  making  such  a  sacrifice,  Don 
Pedro  ? '  said  I. — *  I  am,  Father  Anselmo,'  replied  he  :  '  I 
will  always  act  as  a  man  of  honour  and  of  family,  although 
I  cannot  prove  my  descent.' 

"  *  Then,'  said  I,  '  Don  Pedro,  do  me  the  favour  to  call 
upon  me  this  evening  at  my  convent,  and  I  hope  to  have 
some  pleasing  intelligence  to  impart.'  I  then  left  him,  to 
come  here  and  acquaint  you  with  the  joyful  discovery." — 
"But  why  did  you  not  bring  him  here  immediately?" 
cried  Donna  Celia. 

'*  Madam,  I  have  important  duties  at  my  convent  which 
will  occupy  me  with  the  superior  till  late  at  night.  These 
must  be  attended  to  ;  and  it  is  not  impossible  that  the 
affairs  of  our  convent  may  require  my  absence  for  some 
time,  as  there  are  new  leases  of  our  lands  to  be  granted, 
and  I  have  reason  to  expect  that  the  superior  may  dispatch 
me  on  that  business.  I  will  acquaint  the  young  man  with 
Vv^hat  has  been  discovered,  and  will  then  send  him  to  your 
arms  ;  but  it  were  advisable  that  you  allow  a  few  hours  to 
repose  after  the  agitation  which  you  have  undergone,  and 
previous  to  the  affecting  scene  that  will  naturally  take 
place.  I  wish  I  could  be  present ;  for  it  is  not  often,  in 
this  world,  that  we  can  witness  the  best  affections  of  the 
heart  in  their  virtuous  action." 

I  then  took  my  leave,  requesting  Donna  Celia  to  inform 
her  niece  of  the  circumstances,  as  I  presumed  there  would 
now  be  no  obstacle  to  the  mutual  attachment  of  the  young 
people. 

My  reason  for  an  early  departure  was  that  I  might 
arrange  the  story  I  should  tell,  when,  as  Don  Pedro,  my 
new  mother  would  demand  from  me  the  events  of  my  life. 
I  had  also  to  request  leave  of  absence,  which  I  obtained  in 
expectation  of  some  property  being  left  to  the  convent  by 
an  elderly  gentleman  residing  at  Alicant,  who  was  expected 
to  die,  and  from  whom  I  produced  a  letter,  requesting  my 
presence.  As  I  was  on  the  best  terms  with  the  superior, 
and  there  was  a  prospect  of  obtaining  money,  his  consent 
was  given.     That  I  should  be  there  in  time,  I  was  per- 


6S  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

mitted  to  depart  that  evening.  I  took  my  leave  of  the 
superior,  and  the  rest  of  the  monks,  intending  never  to 
return,  and  hastened  to  my  lodgings,  where  I  threw  off 
my  monastic  habit,  which  from  that  hour  has  never  been 
resumed.  I  repaired  to  Donna  Celia's  house,  was  admitted 
and  ushered  into  a  room  to  await  her  arrival.  My  person 
had  been  set  off  to  the  best  advantage.  I  had  put  on  a 
new  wig,  a  splendid  velvet  cloak,  silk  doublet  and  hose ; 
and  as  I  surveyed  myself  for  a  second  or  two  in  the  mirror, 
I  felt  the  impossibility  of  recognition,  mingled  with  pride 
at  my  handsome  contour.  The  door  opened,  and  Donna 
Celia  came  in,  trembling  with  anxiety.  I  threw  myself  on 
my  knees,  and  in  a  voice  apparently  choked  with  emotion, 
demanded  her  blessing.  She  tottered  to  the  sofa  over- 
powered by  her  feelings  ;  and  still  remaining  on  my  knees, 
I  seized  her  hand,  which  I  covered  with  kisses. 

"  It  is — it  is  my  child,"  cried  she  at  last ;  "all  powerful 
nature  would  have  told  me  so,  if  it  had  not  been  proved," 
and  she  threw  her  arms  round  my  neck,  as  she  bent  over 
me  and  shed  tears  of  gratitude  and  delight.  I  do  assure 
your  highness  that  I  caught  the  infection,  and  mingled  my 
tears  with  hers ;  for  I  felt  then,  and  I  even  now  firmly 
believe,  that  I  was  her  son.  Although  my  conscience  for 
a  moment  upbraided  me,  during  a  scene  which  brought 
back  virtuous  feelings  to  my  breast,  I  could  not  but  con- 
sider, that  a  deception  which  could  produce  so  much 
delight  and  joy,  was  almost  pardonable.  I  took  my  seat 
beside  her,  and  she  kissed  me  again  and  again,  as  one 
minute  she  would  hold  me  off  to  look  at  me,  and  the  next 
strain  me  in  her  embraces. 

"  You  are  the  image  of  your  father,  Pedro,"  observed 
she,  mournfully,  "  but  God's  will  be  done.  If  he  has 
taken  away,  he  also  hath  given,  and  truly  grateful  am  I 
for  his  bounty."  When  we  had  in  some  degree  recovered 
our  agitation,  I  entreated  her  to  narrate  to  me  the  history 
of  my  father  of  which  I  had  heard  but  little  from  the  good 
brother  Anselmo,  and  she  repeated  to  me  those  events  of 
her  youthful  days  which  she  had  communicated  before. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  69 

*'  But  you  have  not  been  introduced  to  Clara :  the 
naughty  girl  little  thought  that  she  was  carrying  on  an 
amour  with  her  own  cousin." 

When  Donna  Celia  called  her  down,  I  made  no  scruple 
of  pressing  the  dear  girl  to  my  heart,  and  implanting  a  kiss 
upon  her  lips  :  with  our  eyes  beaming  with  love  and  joy, 
we  sat  down  upon  the  sofa,  I  in  the  centre,  with  a  hand 
locked  in  the  hand  of  each.  **  And  now,  my  dear  Pedro, 
I  am  anxious  to  hear  the  narrative  of  your  life,"  said 
Donna  Celia:  "that  it  has  been  honourable  to  yourself, 
I  feel  convinced."  Thanking  her  for  her  good  opinion, 
which  I  hoped  neither  what  had  passed,  or  might  in  future 
occur,  would  be  the  means  of  removing,  I  commenced  the 
history  of  my  life  in  the  following  words. 

"  Commenced  the  history  of  your  life  ? "  interrupted 
the  pacha.  "  Does  the  slave  laugh  at  our  beards  ?  What 
then  is  all  this  you  have  been  telling  us  ?  " 

"  The  truth,  your  highness,"  replied  the  Spaniard, 
"  What  I  am  about  to  tell,  is  the  history  of  my  life,  which 
I  invented  to  deceive  the  old  lady  Donna  Celia,  and  which 
is  all  false." 

"I  understand,  Mustapha,  this  kafir  is  a  regular 
Kessehgou,*  he  makes  one  story  breed  another ;  but  it 
is  late,  see  that  he  attends  to-morrow  afternoon,  Bero  ! 
Go,  infidel,  the  muezzin  calls  to  prayers." 

The  Spaniard  quitted  the  sublime  presence,  and  in 
obedience  to  the  call  of  the  muezzin,  the  pacha  and 
Mustapha  paid  their  customary  evening  devotions — to  the 
bottle. 


Chapter   IV 

The  next  day  the  Spanish  slave  was  summoned  to  continue 
his  narrative. 

*  Eastern  story-teller. 


70  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

*'  Your  sublime  highness  of  course  recollects  where  I 
lest  off  yesterday  evening,"  commenced  the  slave. 

"  Perfectly  well,"  replied  the  pacha,  "  you  left  off  at 
the  beginning  of  your  story  ;  but  I  hope  you  will  finish  it 
this  evening,  as  I  have  already  forgotten  a  great  deal  of 
what  you  said." 

"  Your  highness  may  recollect  that  I  was  seated " 

"  Yes,  in  our  presence,"  interrupted  the  pacha  ;  "  such 
was  our  condescension  to  a  Giaour.  Now  go  on  with 
your  story." 

"  "With  due  submission  to  your  highness,  I  was  seated 
on  a  sofa,  between  my  mother  Donna  Celia  and  my  mistress 
Donna  Clara." 

"  Very  true  •,  I  recollect  now  that  you  were." 

"  A  hand  clasped  in  the  hand  of  each." 

"  Exactly,"  replied  the  pacha,  impatiently. 

***  And  was  about  to  tell  a  story  of  my  own  invention,  to 
deceive  the  old  lady  my  mother." 

"Anna  Senna!  curses  on  your  mother!"  cried  the 
pacha,  in  an  angry  tone.  "  Sit  down  and  continue  your 
story.  Is  a  pacha  nothing  ?  Is  the  lion  to  be  chafed  by  a 
jackall  ?  Wallah  le  Nebi !  By  God  and  the  Prophet !  do 
you  laugh  at  our  beard  ?     The  story  !  " 

"  The  story  requested  by  your  highness,"  replied  the 
slave,  with  great  coolness,  "  was  commenced  in  the  follow- 
ing words." 

STORY    OF   THE   MONK. 

What  occurred  during  my  infancy,  my  dearest  mother, 
I  do  not  recollect ;  but  I  can  retrace  to  the  age  of  seven 
years,  when  I  found  myself  in  company  with  a  number  of 
others,  from  the  squalling  infant  of  a  few  days  old,  up  to 
about  my  own  age.  I  also  recollect  that  our  fare  was 
indifferent,  and  our  punishment  severe. 

"  Poor  child  !  "  exclaimed  Donna  Celia,  pressing  my  hand 
which  was  still  locked  in  hers.  I  continued  there  until  the 
age  of  ten,  when  an  old  lady  who  came  to  the  Asylum,  took 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  71 

a  fancy  to  me ;  for  I  often  heard  it  remarked,  that  I  was 
a  very  handsome  boy,  although  I  have  rather  grown  out  of 
my  good  looks  lately,  Clara. 

A  pressure  of  my  other  hand,  and  a  negative  smile,  was 
the  answer  ;  and  I  proceeded — 

The  old  lady  Donna  Isabella,  who  was  of  the  noble 
family  of  Guzman,  wanted  a  page,  and  intended  to 
bring  me  up  in  that  capacity.  She  carried  me  to  her 
house,  where  I  was  clad  in  a  fancy  dress.  I  used  to  sit 
by  her  side  on  the  carpet,  and  run  upon  any  message 
which  might  be  required  ;  in  fact,  I  was  a  sort  of  human 
bell,  calling  up  every  body  and  fetching  every  thing  that 
was  wanted ;  but  I  was  well  fed,  and  very  proud  of  a 
little  dagger  which  I  wore  in  my  girdle.  The  only  part 
of  my  education  to  which  I  objected,  was  learning  to 
read  and  write  from  a  priest,  who  was  domiciled  in  the 
family,  and  who  had  himself  as  great  an  aversion  to 
teaching  as  I  had  to  learning.  Had  the  affair  rested 
entirely  between  us,  we  might  have  arranged  matters  so 
as  to  please  both  parties  ;  but  as  the  old  lady  used  to 
prove  my  acquirements  by  making  me  read  to  her,  as 
she  knotted,  we  neither  of  us  could  help  fulfilling  our 
engagements.  By  dint  of  bullying  and  beating,  at  last 
I  was  sufficiently  enlightened  to  be  able  to  read  a  romance 
to  my  mistress,  or  answer  an  invitation-note  in  the  negative 
or  affirmative.  My  mistress  had  two  nieces  who  lived 
with  her,  both  nearly  grown  up  when  I  entered  the 
family.  They  taught  me  dancing  for  their  own  amuse- 
ment, as  well  as  many  other  things,  and  by  their  care  I 
improved  very  much,  even  in  reading  and  writing. 
Although  a  child,  I  had  a  pleasure  in  being  taught  by 
two  pretty  girls.  But  it  is  necessary  that  I  should  be 
more  particular  in  my  description  of  these  two  young 
ladies.  The  eldest,  whose  name  was  Donna  Emilia,  was 
of  a  prudent,  sedate  description,  always  cheerful,  but 
never  boisterous;  she  constantly  smiled,  but  seldom,  if 
ever,  indulged  in  a  laugh.  The  youngest.  Donna  Teresa, 
was  very  different — joyous   and  light-hearted,   frank  and 


72  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

confiding  in  her  temper,  generous  in  disposition :  her 
faults  arose  from  an  excess  of  every  feeling — a  continual 
running  into  extremes.  Never  were  two  sisters  more 
fond  of  each  other :  it  appeared  as  if  the  difference 
between  their  dispositions  but  added  to  their  attachment. 
The  serious  character  of  the  elder  was  roused  to  playful- 
ness by  the  vivacity  of  the  younger,  and  the  extravagance 
of  the  younger  was  kept  in  due  bounds  by  the  prudence 
oF  the  elder.  As  a  child  I  liked  Donna  Emilia,  but  I  was 
devotedly  fond  of  Donna  Teresa. 

I  had  been  three  years  in  this  situation,  when  legal 
business  required  the  presence  of  Donna  Isabella  at 
Madrid.  The  young  ladies,  who  were  both  very  hand- 
some, and  remarkably  like  each  other  in  person,  were 
much  admired  by  the  cavaliers.  Two  had  gained  the 
victory  over  the  rival  candidates — Don  Perez  was  the 
favoured  suitor  of  Donna  Emilia,  while  Don  Florez  was 
proud  to  wear  the  chains  of  the  lively  Teresa.  Donna 
Isabella  had,  however,  no  intention  that  her  nieces  should 
quit  her  for  the  present,  and  aware,  by  the  serenading 
which  took  place  every  night,  that  there  were  pretenders 
to  her  nieces'  smiles,  she  hastened  back  to  Seville  sooner 
than  she  had  intended. 

Although  I  had  not  been  trusted  by  either,  I  had  an 
idea  of  what  was  going  on;  but  with  more  prudence 
than  most  boys  of  my  age,  I  made  no  remarks  either  to 
my  mistress  or  to  the  young  ladies.  "We  had  returned 
to  Seville  about  a  month,  when  Donna  Emilia  called  me 
aside,  and  said,  "  Pedro,  can  you  keep  a  secret  ? " 

I  told  her — "  Yes,  if  I  was  paid  for  it." 

**  And  what  do  you  want  to  induce  you  to  keep  it, 
you  little  miser  ?  " 

I  replied — "  From  her,  only  a  kiss." 

She  called  me  a  little  rogue,  gave  me  the  kiss,  and 
then  told  me,  that  a  cavalier  would  be  under  the  window 
a  little  after  vesper  bell,  and  that  I  must  give  him  a  billet, 
which  she  put  into  my  hand.  Of  course,  having  received 
my   payment   before   hand,    I    consented.      At    the   time 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  73 

mentioned  I  looked  out  of  the  gate,  and  perceiving  a 
cavalier  under  the  window,  I  accosted  him,  "What  ho, 
Senor,  what  is  it  you  expect  from  a  fair  lady  ?  " 

"  A  billet,  my  little  page,"  replied  he. 

**  Then  here  you  have  it,"  replied  I,  pulling  it  out  of 
my  vest.  He  put  a  doubloon  in  my  hand,  and  immedi- 
ately disappeared. 

I  liked  the  gold  very  much,  but  I  preferred  the  other 
payment  more.  I  put  the  money  into  my  pocket,  and 
returned  into  the  house.  I  had  hardly  come  into  the 
hall,  when  Donna  Teresa,  the  other  young  lady,  accosted 
me.  **  Pedro,  I  have  been  looking  for  you — can  you 
keep  a  secret  ? " 

"  Yes,  if  I  am  paid  for  it,"  replied  I,  as  before. 

**  And  what  must  it  be  that  will  keep  that  little  tongue 
of  yours  from  chattering  ?  " 

"  From  you,"  replied  I,  **  it  must  be  a  kiss." 

"  Oh  !  you  little  mannikin — Pll  give  you  twenty ; " 
and  she  did  so,  until  she  almost  took  away  my  breath. 
"  And  now,"  said  she,  **  there  is  a  senor  waiting  below 
for  a  note,  which  you  must  take  him."  I  took  the  note, 
and  when  I  came  to  the  gate,  found  a  cavalier  there,  as 
she  had  mentioned.  "  Oh,  Senor,"  said  I,  **  what  are 
you  waiting  for,  is  it  a  billet-doux  from  a  sweet 
lady  ? " 

"  It  is,  my  pretty  boy,"  answered  he. 

•*  Perhaps  this  will  interest  you,"  replied  I,  handing 
him  the  note.  He  snatched  it  from  me,  and  would  have 
departed.  "  Senor,"  said  I,  "I  cannot  allow  my  mistress 
to  be  affronted.  Her  favours  are  beyond  all  price,  but 
still  they  are  always  coupled  with  gold.  Since  you  are 
so  poor,  and  gold  must  pass,  here  is  a  piece  for  you," 
and  I  offered  him  the  doubloon  which  I  had  received  from 
the  other  cavalier. 

**  You  are  a  witty  boy,"  replied  he,  **  and  have  corrected 
my  negligence,  for  it  was  nothing  more,  I  assure  you. 
Add  this  to  the  other," — and  he  put  a  quarter-doubloon 
in  my  hand  and  disappeared.     I  returned  to  the  house, 


74  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

and  as  I  had  been  some  time  away  from  my  mistress  I 
went  into  the  saloon- — where  she  was  sitting  alone. 

"Pedro,  come  hither,  child,  you  know  how  good  I  have 
been  to  you,  and  how  carefully  I  have  brought  you  up. 
Now  tell  me,  can  you  keep  a  secret  ? " — "  Yes,  madam," 
replied  I,  "  I  can  keep  yours,  for  it  is  my  duty." 

"  That's  a  good  child ;  well  then,  I  have  an  idea  that 
my  two  nieces  are  followed  by  some  of  the  gay  cavaliers, 
who  saw  them  at  Madrid,  and  I  wish  you  to  find  out  if  it 
is  true.— Do  you  understand  ? " 

"Oh,  yes,  madam,"  replied  I;  "I  do  perfectly." 

"Well  then,  do  you  watch, — and  Pedro,  here  are  two 
reals  for  you,  to  buy  sugar-plums." 

Thus  did  I  enter  in  one  day  into  the  real  occupation  of 
a  page.  I  added  the  two  reals  to  the  gold,  and,  as  you 
may  suppose,  meant  to  serve  as  I  was  paid.  But,  as  I 
found  out  afterwards,  I  had  made  a  terrible  mistake  with 
the  two  billets-doux.  That  of  Donna  Emilia  I  had  given 
to  Don  Florez,  who  was  Donna  Teresa's  admirer ;  that  of 
Donna  Teresa  I  had  given  to  Don  Perez,  who  was  the 
lover  of  Donna  Emilia  ;  but  I  had  better  explain  to  you, 
before  I  go  on,  what  did  not  come  to  my  knowledge  until 
the  denouement  took  place.  Don  Perez,  the  lover  of 
Emilia,  was  a  young  man  who  was  entitled  to  large 
property,  at  the  death  of  an  uncle,  to  whom  he  was  heir 
by  entail.  Don  Florez,  on  the  contrary,  was  in  possession 
of  a  splendid  fortune,  and  able  to  choose  for  himself. 
From  fear  of  discovery,  the  notes  were  both  in  a  disguised 
hand,  and  not  signed  by  the  respective  christian  names  of 
the  ladies.  Donna  Emilia's  ran  thus  : — "  I  found  your 
note  in  the  spot  agreed,  but  my  aunt  has  taken  away  the 
key  of  the  shrubbery,  and  is  I  believe  suspicious. — Why 
are  you  so  urgent  ? — I  trust  your  affection,  like  mine,  will 
but  increase  from  delay.  It  will  be  impossible  to  meet 
you  to-night ;  but  I  have  entered  the  page  in  my  service, 
and  will  write  soon."  That  of  Donna  Teresa,  which  I 
put  in  the  hands  of  Don  Perez,  ran  as  follows: — "I  can 
no  longer  refuse  your  solicitations  for  an  interview.     My 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  js 

aunt  has  locked  up  the  shrubbery,  but  if  you  have  courage 
enough  to  scale  the  garden- wall,  I  will  meet  you  in  the 
saloon  which  opens  upon  the  garden ;  but  not  a  word 
must  be  said,  as  the  servants  are  continually  passing  the 
door — neither  can  we  have  a  light — I  must  trust  to  your 
honour." 

Don  Perez  was  delighted  at  Donna  Emilia's  having  at 
last  yielded  to  his  entreaties  for  a  meeting ;  and  Don  Florez, 
as  much  annoyed  at  the  reserved  conduct  of  his  mistress, 
went  home  accusing  her  of  coquetry.  At  the  appointed 
hour,  Don  Perez  met  his  supposed  mistress  in  the  saloon. 
The  two  sisters  were  confidantes,  and  as  I  was  in  their 
secret,  they  made  no  scruple  of  talking  before  me.  The 
next  day,  when  their  aunt  left  the  room,  they  began 
arguing  upon  the  personal  merits  of  the  respective  cavaliers. 
After  a  good-humoured  controversy,  they  appealed  to  me. 
"  Come,  Pedro,"  said  Teresa,  "  you  shall  decide. — Which 
do  you  think  the  handsomest  cavalier  ? " 

"  Why,"  answered  I,  "I  think  that  your  senor  is,  for 
a  fair  man,  the  handsomest  I  ever  saw — but  still  the 
beautiful  dark  eyes  of  the  Donna  Emilia's  cavalier  are 
equally  prepossessing." 

"Why  Pedro,  you  have  mistaken  the  two,"  said  Emilia, 
"it  is  Don  Perez,  the  fair  one,  who  is  my  admirer,  and 
the  dark  senor  is  Don  Florez,  who  is  in  love  with  my 
sister."  I  perceived  that  I  had  made  a  mistake  when  I 
delivered  the  notes,  and  Teresa  coloured  up.  But  I  had 
sense  enough  to  answer — "Very  true,  madam,  you  are 
right,  I  now  recollect  that  I  am  confounding  the  two." 

Shortly  afterwards  the  aunt  came  into  the  room,  and 
Teresa  quitted  it,  beckoning  me  to  follow  her.  As  soon 
as  I  had  joined  her,  she  said,  "Now,  Pedro,  teil  the  truth: 
did  you  not  make  the  mistake  that  you  stated,  and  deliver 
my  note  to  the  fair  cavalier,  Don  Perez." 

I  answered,  "  that  I  had,  as  I  had  already  delivered 
Emilia's  note  to  the  dark  gentleman."  Donna  Teresa  put 
her  hands  over  her  face  and  wept  bitterly, — "Pedro,  you 
must  now  keep  this  secret,  for  it  is  of  the  greatest  import- 


^jS  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

ance. — My  God,  what  will  become  of  me  ? "  cried  she,  and 
for  some  time  she  was  in  the  greatest  distress :  at  last  she 
wiped  her  eyes,  and  after  much  reflection,  she  took  up 
paper  and  wrote  a  note. — "Pedro,  take  this  note  to  the 
direction ;  recollect  it  is  for  the  dark  cavalier  that  it  is 
intended."  Teresa  had  read  the  note  of  Emilia  to  Don 
Perez,  which  had  been  received  by  Don  Florez — in  conse- 
quence her  present  note  ran  thus  : — **  You  may  think  me 
harsh  for  having  refused  to  see  you  last  night,  but  I  was 
afraid.  Do  not  accuse  me  with  trifling  with  your  feelings, 
I  will  meet  you  in  the  saloon  that  leads  to  the  garden, 
which  was  last  night  occupied ;  come  at  ten  this  evening." 

I  went  out  with  the  note  and  gave  it  into  the  hands  of 
Don  Florez.  "  My  dear  boy,  tell  Donna  Teresa  I  will  not 
fail;  I  know  now  why  she  could  not  receive  me  last  night; 
I  only  hope  I  may  be  as  fortunate  as  Don  Perez."  He 
put  a  doubloon  in  my  hand,  and  I  went  away.  I  had  not 
quitted  the  street  when  I  met  Don  Perez. 

"  Ah  !  my  little  page,  this  is  indeed  lucky ;  just  step  to 
my  rooms  while  I  write  a  note  to  Donna  Emilia."  I  did 
so,  and  he  gave  me  a  quarter-doubloon  as  before.  "  I 
thank  you,  senor,"  replied  I;  what  with  the  doubloons 
of  Don  Florez  and  your  quarter-doubloons,  I  shall  soon 
be  a  rich  man." 

"  How  say  you,"  replied  he,  **  Don  Florez  give  you 
doubloons^then  he  spoils  the  market;  but  I  must  not 
allow  him  to  pay  you  better  than  I  do,  or  I  shall  not  be 
served  so  faithfully. — Here's  a  doubloon  and  a  half,  which, 
with  what  you  have  already  received,  will  make  the 
accounts  square."  I  made  my  bow,  and  with  many  thanks 
withdrew. 

Young  as  I  was,  I  had  an  idea  that  something  had 
occurred  at  the  mistaken  meeting  of  last  night,  which 
seriously  affected  Donna  Teresa.  As  I  was  much  more 
partial  to  her  than  to  her  sister,  I  resolved  not  to  deliver 
the  note  of  Don  Perez  to  Emilia,  until  I  had  consulted 
Donna  Teresa.  On  my  return,  I  beckoned  her  into  her 
chamber,  and  told  her  the  answer  of  Don  Florez,  with 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  77 

his  observation,  **  that  he  hoped  he  should  be  as  fortunate 
as  Don  Perez  was  last  night."  She  coloured  with  shame 
and  vexation  ;  and  I  then  told  her  how  I  had  met  Don 
Perez,  and  what  had  passed.  I  then  gave  her  the  note, 
and  asked  whether  I  should  deliver  it  or  not.  She  hastily 
tore  it  open — it  ran  as  follows  : — **  How  can  I  sufficiently 
express  my  gratitude  to  my  adored  Emilia,  for  her  kind- 
ness to  me  last  night  ?  Tell  me,  dearest  angel,  when  am 
I  to  have  the  pleasure  of  meeting  you  again  in  the  saloon  ? 
Till  you  once  more  grant  me  the  favour,  life  will  be  a 
blank." 

**  Pedro,"  said  she,  "  you  have  indeed  done  me  a  service 
— you  have  been  my  preserver.  How  can  I  ever  repay 
you  ? " 

"  Give  me  a  double  allowance  of  kisses,  this  time," 
replied  I. 

"  I  will  give  you  a  thousand,"  answered  she,  and  she 
kissed  and  blessed  me  while  tears  ran  down  her  cheeks ; 
she  then  took  some  paper,  and  imitating  the  hand-writing, 
wrote  as  follows  : — "  I  must  submit  to  your  wishes. 
Donna  Emilia  ;  and  while  your  sister  blesses  Don  Florez, 
must  yield  to  the  severity  of  your  disposition.  Still  I  hope 
that  you  will  relent — I  am  very  miserable ;  write  to  me,  if 

you  have  any  love  still  remaining  for  your  adorer. 

Perez." 

"  Take  this  to  Emilia,  my  sweet  child. — What  can  I  do 
to  reward  you  ?  " 

**  Why  you  must  take  care  of  my  money,"  said  I,  "  for 
if  my  mistress  finds  it  out,  I  shall  never  be  able  to  tell  how 
I  came  by  it."  She  smiled  mournfully  as  she  received  my 
doubloons,  and  locked  them  up  in  a  trinket-box.  "  I  will 
add  to  your  wealth,  Pedro,"  said  she. 

"  No,"  replied  I,  **  only  kisses  from  you."  I  told  her 
why  her  aunt  gave  me  the  two  reals,  and  we  separated.  I 
delivered  the  note  to  Donna  Emilia,  who  in  the  afternoon 
put  an  answer  into  my  hand  •,  but  I  would  not  act  without 
Donna  Teresa  knowing  what  took  place,  and  it  occurred 
to  me,  that  it  would  be  very  possible  to  repair  the  mischief, 


78  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

which  my  mistake  had  occasioned.  I  therefore  took  the 
answers  of  Donna  Emilia  to  her  lover  to  Donna  Teresa,  and 
told  her  what  I  thought,  "  My  dear  Pedro,  you  are  indeed 
a  treasure  to  me,"  replied  Teresa. 

She  opened  Emilia's  note,  which  ran  as  follows  : — **  You 
accuse  me  of  unkindness,  which  I  do  not  deserve.  Heaven 
knows  my  heart  is  but  too  yielding.  I  will  arrange  a 
meeting  as  soon  as  I  possibly  can  j  but  as  I  before  said, 
my  aunt  is  suspicious,  and  I  cannot  make  up  my  mind,  like 
Teresa,  to  run  the  risk  of  discovery." 

Teresa  tore  up  this  note,  and  wrote  as  follows  : — "  If 
a  woman  has  the  misfortune  to  yield  too  much  to  the 
solicitations  of  her  lover,  he  becomes  arrogant,  and  claims 
as  a  right,  what  only  can  be  received  as  a  favour.  I 
consider  that  what  passes  in  darkness  should  remain  as 
secret  in  the' breast,  and  as  silent  in  the  tongue.  I  now 
tell  you  candidly,  that  I  shall  consider  it  as  an  insult,  if  ever 
you  refer  to  the  meeting  of  last  night ;  and  to  punish  you 
for  your  arrogant  request  of  another,  shall  treat  you  with 
the  same  reserve  as  before.  Recollect  that  the  least 
intimation  of  it,  however  private  we  may  be,  will  be  the 
signal  of  your  dismissal.  At  the  same  time,  expecting 
implicit  obedience  to  this  command,  I  shall  punish  you  no 
further,  if  you  offend  not  again.  When  I  feel  inclined  to 
see  you,  I  will  let  you  know.     Till  then.  Yours,  etc." 

I  took  this  note  to  Don  Perez,  whom  I  found  at  his 
lodgings  drinking  in  company  with  Don  Florez,  for  they 
had  no  secrets  from  each  other.  Perez  opened  the  note, 
and  appeared  a  little  astonished. — **  Read  this,  Florez," 
said  he,  "  and  tell  me  if  woman  is  not  a  riddle." 

"  Well,  now  I  like  her  spirit,"  replied  Florez,  **  some 
women  would  have  been  dying  with  apprehension  at  your 
leaving  them  :  she,  on  the  contrary,  considers  that  you  are 
under  greater  obligations  than  before;  and  assumes  her 
dominion  over  you.  I  recommend  you  to  comply  with  her 
injunctions,  if  you  wish  to  retain  her  love." 

"  I  don't  know  but  what  you  are  right,  Florez  ;  and  as 
we  are  lords  and  masters  after  marriage,  it  is  but  fair,  that 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  79 

they  should  hold  their  uninterrupted  sway  before.  I  feel 
more  attached  to  her  than  ever,  and  if  she  chooses  to  play 
the  tyrant,  why  she  shall.  It  shows  her  good  sense  ;  for 
keeping  us  off,  is  the  only  way  to  induce  us  to  go  on." 

I  returned  home,  delivering  a  note  from  Don  Perez  to 
Emilia,  stating  his  intention  to  abide  by  her  wishes,  and 
stated  to  Donna  Teresa  all  that  had  passed  between  the 
cavaliers. 

"  Thanks  to  your  prudence  and  sagacity,  my  dear  little 
Pedro,  ail  as  yet  is  well ;  but  it  may  yet  be  discovered  ;  for 
I  will  now  confide  to  you,  that  the  tenderness  last  night,  in- 
tended for  Don  Florez,  was  by  your  mistake,  and  the  dark- 
ness and  silence  prescribed  at  the  meeting,  lavished  upon 
my  sister's  admirer.  But  all  will  I  trust  be  well,  and  I  shall 
not  suffer  for  an  unintentional  misfortune." 

That  evening  Don  Florez  was  received  by  Teresa  in  the 
saloon  ;  and  the  next  morning,  I  was  sitting  as  usual  by  rny 
mistress,  when  she  asked,  **  Well,  Pedro,  have  you  dis- 
covered anything  ? " 

"  Yes,  madam,"  replied  I. 

"  And  what  is  it,  child  ?  " 

"  Why,  madam,  a  gentleman  asked  me  to  give  a  letter, 
but  I  would  not." 

"  Who  was  it  for,  child  ? " 

**  I  don't  know,  madam,  for  I  refused  to  take  it  in  my 
hand." 

"  Well,  Pedro,  you  were  right ;  the  next  time  he  offers 
you  a  letter  take  it,  and  bring  it  to  me." 

"  I  will,  madam,"  said  I. 

"Here  are  two  reals  for  you,  child — have  you  spent 
the  last  I  gave  you  ? " 

I  left  the  room — when  Donna  Emilia  met  me  outside, 
and  put  a  note  into  my  hand  for  Don  Perez.  I  first  took 
it  to  my  friend  Teresa,  who  opened  it : — "  At  last  my 
affection  has  borne  down  my  resolution,  and  I  consent 
to  see  you.  There  is  no  other  way  but  in  the  saloon. 
Be  careful  not  to  offend  me,  or  it  will  be  for  the  last 
time." 


8o  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  This  may  go,  Pedro,"  said  Teresa,  **  and  you  may 
call  at  Don  Florez'  lodgings  as  you  pass  by." 

I  delivered  the  note  to  Don  Perez,  and  before  he  had 
finished  it,  Don  Florez  entered  the  room. — "  Congratulate 
me,  my  dear  friend,"  said  he.  "  I  was  received  as  kindly 
as  I  could  wish." 

**  And  my  fair  one  has  not  taken  long  to  relent," 
answered  Perez,  "  for  I  have  an  appointment  with  her 
this  evening.  Pedro,  tell  your  mistress,  that  I  do  not 
write,  but  that  I  bless  her  for  her  kindness,  and  shall 
not  fail  to  meet  her. — Do  you  understand  ?  Well,  what 
are  you  waiting  for  ?  Oh !  you  little  rogue,  I  under- 
stand," and  he  threw  me  a  doubloon. — "  Florez,  you 
give  that  boy  too  much  money,  and  I  am  obliged  to  do 
the  same."  Florez  laughed,  and  I  again  took  my  de- 
parture. 

Thus  did  I  continue  in  my  vocation  for  some  time,  when 
the  old  lady  fell  sick  and  died.  She  divided  her  fortune 
between  her  two  nieces,  and  as  they  were  now  independent, 
they  married  their  respective  lovers;  but  the  old  lady 
forgot  to  mention  me  in  her  will,  and  I  should  have  been 
turned  adrift  on  the  world  had  it  not  been  for  Donna 
Teresa,  who  immediately  appointed  me  as  her  own 
attendant.  I  was  as  happy  as  before,  although  no  more 
doubloons  fell  into  my  hands,  after  the  marriages  took 
place.  It  appears  that  Don  Perez  was  so  much  afraid 
of  offending  Donna  Emilia,  that  he  never  ventured  to 
speak  of  the  meeting,  which  he  supposed  he  had  had 
with  her  in  the  saloon,  until  after  marriage :  then,  feeling 
himself  quite  at  liberty,  he  had  laughed  at  her  on  the 
subject.  Donna  Emilia  was  all  astonishment,  declared 
most  positively  that  it  had  not  taken  place ;  and  although 
he  at  first  ridiculed  the  idea  of  her  denial,  yet  recollecting 
that  he  still  had  her  notes  in  his  possession,  he  brought 
them  out,  and  showed  her  the  one  in  which  she  had 
prohibited  him  from  speaking  on  the  subject.  Donna 
Emilia  protested  that  it  was  not  her  writing,  and  was 
confounded   at   the   apparent   mystery.     She   stated   that 


y 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  81 

Teresa  had  agreed  to  meet  Don  Florez  in  the  saloon 
that  night. 

"  On  the  contrary,"  replied  Don  Perez,  **  he  received 
a  letter  from  Donna  Teresa,  refusing  him  a  meeting,  at 
the  same  time  that  I  received  this  from  you,  giving  me 
the  assignation." 

Donna  Emilia  burst  into  tears.  **  I  see  how  it  is," 
replied  she,  "  the  page  by  mistake  has  given  the  note 
which  I  wrote  you  to  Don  Florez,  and  Teresa's  note  fell 
into  your  hands.  You  have  taken  an  unworthy  advantage 
of  the  circumstance,  and  have  met  my  sister.  Never  make 
me  believe,  Don  Perez,  that  you  were  not  aware  of  the 
mistake,  when  she  received  you  in  the  saloon — or  that 
she  could  not  distinguish  you  from  Don  Florez.  Cruel 
sister,  thus  to  rob  me  of  my  happiness  !  Treacherous 
Don  Perez,  thus  to  betray  your  friend  and  me  !  " 

Don  Perez  tried  all  he  could  to  pacify  his  wife,  but  in 
vain.  Her  jealousy,  her  pride,  and  her  conscientious 
scruples  were  roused,  and  she  would  not  listen  to  any 
reasoning  or  protestations.  Although  he  was  almost 
certain,  that  the  fact  was  as  his  wife  had  stated,  he 
determined  to  make  sure  by  referring  to  me.  He  came 
to  Don  Florez'  house,  and  after  staying  a  little  while 
with  him  and  his  wife,  during  which  he  appeared  so 
uneasy  that  they  asked  him  whether  he  was  unwell,  he 
went  away  making  a  sign  for  me  to  follow  him.  He 
then  entered  into  all  the  particulars,  and  asked  me  about 
the  delivery  of  the  notes.  I  took  it  for  granted,  that 
an  explanation  had  taken  place  between  him  and  his 
wife — my  only  object  was  to  save  Donna  Teresa. 

"  Senor,  whether  what  Donna  Emilia  says  is  true, 
I  know  not,"  replied  I ;  "  but,  that  it  was  not  Donna 
Teresa  who  met  you,  I  can  certify,  for  I  was  in  her 
room  with  her  that  night  till  she  went  to  bed,  playing 
at  piquet  for  sugar-plums." 

"  Then  who  could  it  be,"  observed  he. 

"I  know  not,  senor,  for  I  did  not  go  downstairs, 
where  my  mistress  was,  because  she  had  sent  me  to  bed, 

P  F 


^a\ 


82  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

and  I  knew  that  I  should  have  been  scolded  for  being  up. 
Therefore  I  cannot  say  whether  Donna  Emilia  was  with 
you  or  not." 

Don  Perez  meditated  some  time,  and  then  came  to 
the  conclusion  that  his  wife  was  ashamed  of  having  been 
too  indulgent  to  him  in  an  unguarded  moment,  and  would 
not  acknowledge  it.  Still  he  was  far  from  being  satisfied. 
He  returned  home  to  explain  what  he  had  gathered  to 
his  wife,  but  found  that  she  had  left  the  house  some  time 
before,  without  stating  whither  she  was  going.  As  soon 
as  Don  Perez  left  the  house,  I  hastened  to  my  mistress, 
to  acquaint  her  with  what  had  passed,  and  what  I  had 
told  him. 

**  I  thank  you  for  your  kind  intention,  Pedro,  but  I  am 
afraid  that  all  will  be  discovered.  It  is  a  judgment  on 
me  for  my  folly  and  indiscretion." 

In  the  meantime.  Donna  Emilia,  who  had  taken  refuge 
in  a  neighbouring  convent,  sent  for  Don  Florez.  He 
found  her  in  the  convent-parlour  in  tears.  Convinced  by 
her  jealousy,  that  her  sister  had  an  attachment  to  Don 
Perez,  and  that  there  had  been  a  mutual  understanding, 
she  stated  to  Don  Florez  the  whole  of  the  circumstances, 
and  pointing  out  to  him  how  treacherously  they  both  had 
been  treated,  acquainted  him  with  her  intention  to  retire 
from  the  world. 

Don  Florez,  stirred  to  madness  by  the  information,  ex- 
claimed— **  It  was  for  this,  then,  that  she  put  me  off  on 
that  night,  and  was  kind  to  me  the  next.  Cursed  dupe 
that  I  have  been ;  but,  thank  heaven,  it  is  not  too  late  to 
be  revenged.  Don  Perez,  you  shall  pay  dearly  for  this." 
So  saying,  he  quitted  Donna  Emilia,  uncertain  whether  he 
should  first  wreak  his  vengeance  upon  Don  Perez  or  his 
wife.  But  this  point  was  soon  decided,  for  at  the  convent 
gate  he  encountered  Don  Perez,  who  had  been  informed 
whither  his  wife  had  retreated. 

"  You  are  the  person  I  have  been  anxiously  wishing  to 
see,  Don  Perez — treacherous  villain,  void  of  all  honour." 

"  Not  so,  Don  Florez.     I  am  an  unfortunate  man,  who 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  83 

is  half  mad  by  a  cruel  mistake  which  has  occurred.  Recall 
your  words,  for  they  are  unjust." 

*^I  do  not  intend  to  recall  them,  but  assert  the  truth 
with  the  point  of  my  rapier.  If  you  are  not  as  great  a 
coward,  as  you  are  a  villain,  you  will  follow  me." 

"  Such  language  will  admit  of  no  reply.  I  am  at  your 
service,"  cried  Don  Perez. 

The  two  brothers-in-law  walked  in  silence,  until  they 
reached  a  field  hard  by,  where  they  threw  off  their  cloaks, 
and  fought  with  the  fury  of  demons.  Victory  was  decided 
in  favour  of  Don  Perez;  his  sword  passed  through  the 
heart  of  his  adversary,  who  never  spoke  again.  Don 
Perez  viewed  the  body  with  a  stern  countenance,  wiped 
his  sword,  took  up  his  cloak,  and  walked  straight  to  the 
house  of  Don  Florez.  "  Donna  Teresa,"  said  he  (I  only 
was  present),  "  I  call  upon  you,  as  you  value  salvation  in 
the  day  of  judgment,  to  tell  me  the  truth.  Was  it  you, 
that,  by  an  unfortunate  mistake,  I  met  one  night  in  the 
saloon ;  and  were  those  caresses,  intended  for  Don  Florez, 
bestowed  upon  me  ? " 

There  was  a  wildness,  a  ferocity  in  his  air  that  frightened 
her  ;  she  stammered  out  at  last — "  for  my  sins,  it  is  true  ; 
but  you  know,  too  well,  that  I  never  was  false  in  heart, 
although  when  I  found  out  my  mistake,  I  attempted  to 
conceal  my  indiscretion." 

"  Had  you,  madam,  been  as  virtuous  as  your  sister,  all 
this  mischief  would  not  have  happened — and  your  husband 
would  not  now  be  lying  a  corpse,  by  the  hand  of  his 
brother." 

Donna  Teresa  fainted  at  the  intelligence,  and  Don  Perez 
immediately  quitted  the  house.  I  hastened  to  her  assist- 
ance, and  succeeded  in  restoring  her  to  life. 

**  It  is  but  too  true,"  said  she,  mournfully ;  "  crime  will 
always  meet  with  punishment,  in  this  world,  or  in  the  next. 
By  permitting  my  love  to  overcome  the  dictates  of  virtue, 
by  being  too  fond  of  my  husband,  I  have  murdered  him. 
Oh  God  !  I  have  murdered  him,  and  rendered  the  lives  of 
two  others  as  much  a  burden  to  them  as  my  own  will  ever 
be.    My  poor,  dear  sister,  where  is  she  ? " 


84  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

I  tried  all  my  powers  of  consolation,  but  in  vain  :  all 
she  requested  was  that  I  would  find  out  where  her  sister 
was,  and  let  her  know.  I  set  off  upon  my  melancholy 
task,  and  met  the  people  bearing  in  the  body  of  Don 
Florez.  I  shuddered  as  it  passed  by,  when  I  recollected 
how  principal  a  part  I  had  acted  in  the  tragedy.  I  soon 
gained  the  information,  and  brought  it  to  Donna  Teresa. 
She  dressed  herself  in  deep  mourning,  and,  desiring  me  to 
follow  her,  knocked  at  the  convent  gate,  and  requesting  to 
see  the  superior,  was  admitted.  The  superior  came  out  of 
the  parlour  to  receive  her,  not  wishing  that  any  one  should 
enter,  while  Donna  Emilia  was  in  such  a  state  of  misery 
and  despair. 

"  It  is  my  sister  that  I  come  to  see,  madam,  and  I  must 
not  be  refused ;  lead  me  to  her,  and  be  witness  of  the 
scene,  if  you  please." 

The  superior,  who  was  not  aware  that  Emilia  would 
have  refused  to  see  Donna  Teresa,  led  the  way,  and  we 
were  ushered  into  the  presence  of  Emilia,  who,  looking  up 
as  Donna  Teresa  entered,  turned  away  from  her  as  if  in 
abhorrence. 

"  Emilia,"  said  my  mistress,  "  we  are  born  of  the  same 
mother,  we  have  lived  as  children,  and  we  have  grown  up 
together  ;  never  did  we  have  a  secret  from  each  other, 
till  this  unfortunate  mistake  occurred.  On  my  knees,  I 
request  you  to  listen  to  me,  and  to  believe  what  I  say." 

**  Plead  your  cause  with  your  husband,  Teresa ;  it  is 
more  necessary  to  pacify  him  than  me." 

"I  have  no  husband,  Emilia;  he  is  now  pleading  his 
own  cause  with  God — for  he  has  fallen  by  the  sword  of 
yours." 

Donna  Emilia  started. 

**  Yes,  Emilia,  dear,  dear  sister,  it  is  but  too  true,  and 
still  more  true,  that  you  have  caused  his  death.  Do  not 
kill  me  too,  Emilia,  by  refusing  to  believe  what  I  declare, 
as  I  hope  for  eternal  salvation, — that  I  never  was  aware  of 
the  mistake,  until  the  boy  discovered  it  to  me,  on  the 
ensuing  day.     If  you  knew  the  shame,  the  vexation,  the 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  85 

fear  of  discovery  which  racked  my  frame,  when  I  was  but 
too  sure  of  it,  you  would  forgive  my  having  tried  to  hide 
a  fault,  the  knowledge  of  which  would  make  others  miser- 
able, as  well  as  me.  Say  you  believe  me — say  you  forgive 
me,  Emilia.     Oh  !  Emilia,  cannot  you  forgive  a  sister  ?  " 

Emilia  answered  not,  and  Teresa,  clinging  to  her  knees, 
and  embracing  them,  sobbed  hysterically.  At  this  moment, 
Don  Perez,  who  had  obtained  admittance  to  see  his  wife, 
<:ame  into  the  room,  and  walking  up  to  the  part  in  which 
the  two  unfortunate  ladies  remained  in  the  attitudes  de- 
scribed, said, — "  You,  Teresa,  who  have  been  the  original 
cause  of  this  unhappy  business,  I  mean  not  to  reproach 
again.  Your  punishment  has  been  greater  than  your 
oifence.  It  is  to  you,  madam,  I  must  address  myself,  who, 
by  not  believing  in  the  words  of  truth,  have  caused  me  to 
slay  my  dearest  friend  and  brother,  and,  after  having 
unwittingly  wounded  him  in  the  tenderest  point,  add  to 
the  injury  by  taking  away  his  life.  Are  you  yet  satisfied, 
madam  ?  Are  you  satisfied  with  having  embittered  my 
days  by  your  injustice  and  unworthy  suspicions — by 
having  reduced  your  unfortunate,  yet  not  guilty  sister,  to 
the  state  of  an  unhappy,  lonely  woman,  now  suing  in  vain 
for  pardon  at  your  feet ;  by  having  been  the  occasion  of 
the  death  of  your  brother  by  marriage — her  husband  and 
my  friend  ?  Say,  madam,  are  you  yet  satisfied,  or  will  you 
have  more  victims  to  your  unbelief  ? " 

Emilia  answered  not,  but  continued  with  her  face  averted. 

"Be  it  so,  then,  madam  j "  replied  Don  Perez ;  and, 
before  any  one  was  aware  of  his  intention,  he  drew  his 
sword,  and  fell  upon  it.  "  Now,  Emilia,  let  the  sacrifice 
of  my  life  be  a  proof  to  you  of  my  sincerity.  As  I  hope 
for  pardon,  I  have  told  the  truth ; "  and  Don  Perez  fell  on 
his  back,  and  was  dead. 

Emilia  started  round  when  he  fell,  and  threw  herself 
down  by  his  side  in  horror  and  amazement.  The  film  that 
passion  had  thrown  over  her  eyes  was  removed,  as  she 
witnessed  the  last  melancholy  result  of  her  unbelief. 
When  Don  Perez  ceased  speaking,  she  threw  herself  on 


86  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

his  body,  in  an  agony  of  grief. — "I  do,  I  do  believe — 
Perez,  I  do,  I  do  !  Oh !  indeed  I  do  believe — speak  to 
me,  Perez — O  God,  he  is  dying  ! — Sister,  Teresa,  come, 
come,  he'll  speak  to  you — he's  not  angry  with  you — Sister, 
sister,  speak — O  God  !  O  God !  "  screamed  the  unhappy 
woman,  "  he's  dead — and  I  have  murdered  him  !  " — and 
she  dashed  her  head  upon  the  floor.  Teresa  hastened  to 
her  sister,  and  held  her  in  her  arms,  while  the  tears  poured 
fast.  It  was  some  time  before  reason  resumed  her  seat ; 
at  last,  exhausted  by  the  violence  of  her  feelings,  she  was 
relieved  with  a  flood  of  tears. 

**  Who  is  it  ? — you,  Teresa — kind  sister,  whom  I  have 
used  so  ill — I  do  believe  you — I  do  believe,  Teresa ;  God 
forgive  me  !  kiss  me,  sister,  and  say  that  you  forgive  me — 
for  am  I  not  punished  ?  " 

"It  is  all  my  fault,"  answered  Teresa,  bursting  into 
tears  :  "  Oh  !  how  wicked,  how  foolish  have  I  been  !  " 

"  No,  no,  sister,  your  fault  is  small,  compared  to  mine  j 
you  allowed  your  passion  to  overcome  you,  but  it  arose 
from  an  excess  of  love,  the  best  feeling  in  our  nature — the 
only  remnant  of  heaven  left  us  since  our  fall.  I  too  have 
allowed  my  passion  to  overcome  me ;  but  whence  has  it 
arisen  ? — from  hatred  and  jealousy,  feelings  which  were 
implanted  by  demons,  and  which  create  a  hell,  wherever 
they  command.  But  it  is  done,  and  repentance  comes  too 
late." 

The  unfortunate  sisters  embraced  each  other  and  mingled 
their  tears  together ;  and  I  hardly  need  say,  that  the  Lady 
Abbess  and  I  could  not  restrain  our  meed  of  pity  at  the 
affecting  scene.  As  the  evening  closed,  they  separated, 
each  to  attend  to  the  same  mournful  duty,  of  watching  by 
the  bodies  of  their  husbands,  and  bedewing  them  with  their 
tears.  A  few  days  after  the  interments  took  place,  Emilia 
sent  for  her  sister,  and  after  an  affectionate  interview,  took 
the  veil  in  the  convent  to  which  she  had  retired — endowing 
the  church  with  her  property.  Donna  Teresa  did  not  take 
the  veil ;  but  employed  herself  in  the  more  active  duties  of 
charity  and  benevolence — but  she  gradually  wasted  away 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  87 

— her  heart  was  broken.  I  stayed  with  her  for  three  years, 
when  she  died,  leaving  a  considerable  sum  to  me,  and  the 
remainder  of  her  wealth  to  beneficent  institutions.  This  is 
about  five  years  ago,  since  when  I  have  been  living  on  the 
property,  which  is  nearly  all  expended  by  my  extravagance. 
The  stigma  on  my  birth  is,  however,  the  only  subject  which 
has  weighed  upon  my  spirits — this  is  providentially  removed, 
and  I  trust  that  I  shall  not  disgrace  the  mother  who  has  so 
kindly  acknowledged  me,  or  the  dear  girl  who  has  honoured 
this  faulty  person  with  her  attachment. 

My  mother  and  Clara  thanked  me  when  I  had  concluded 
my  narrative,  and  we  remained  unto  a  late  hour  entering 
upon  family  affairs,  and  planning  for  the  future.  My 
mother  informed  me  that  upon  the  estates  she  had  only  a 
life  interest,  as  they  were  entailed,  and  would  revert  to  a 
cousin ;  but  that  she  had  laid  by  a  considerable  sum  of 
money,  intending  it  as  a  dowry  for  my  Clara,  and  that  she 
hoped  to  increase  it  before  she  died.  As  I  was  anxious  to 
quit  Seville,  where  I  feared  daily  discovery,  I  proposed  that 
we  should  retire  to  the  estate  near  Carthagena,  by  which 
not  only  a  considerable  expense  would  be  saved,  but  I 
should  feel  more  happy  in  the  company  of  Clara  and  her- 
self. My  mother  and  my  intended  gladly  consented  to  the 
proposal,  not  only  for  the  above  reasons,  but  because  she 
was  aware  that  the  questions  which  might  be  asked  about 
me  would  tend  to  the  injury  of  her  character.  In  less  than 
a  fortnight  the  establishment  at  Seville  was  broken  up,  and 
we  retired  to  the  country,  where  I  was  made  happy  by  the 
possession  of  my  Clara.  I  now  considered  myself  as  secure 
from  any  discovery,  and  although  I  had  led  a  life  of  dupli- 
city, meant  by  future  good  conduct  to  atone  for  the  past. 
Whether  Donna  Celia  was  my  mother  or  not,  I  felt  towards 
her  as  if  she  was,  and  after  some  time  from  habit  considered 
it  an  established  fact.  My  Clara  was  as  kind  and  endear- 
ing as  I  could  desire,  and  for  five  years  I  was  as  happy  as 
I  could  wish.  But  it  was  not  to  last ;  I  was  to  be  punished 
for  my  deceit.     My  marriage  with  Clara,  and  the  mystery 


88  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

attached  to  my  birth,  which  was  kept  secret,  had  irritated 
the  heir  of  the  estate,  who  had  been  in  hopes,  by  marrying 
Clara  himself,  to  secure  the  personal  as  well  as  the  reai 
property.  We  occasionally  met,  but  we  met  with  rancour 
in  our  hearts,  for  I  resented  his  behaviour  towards  me. 
Fearful  of  discovery,  I  had  never  paid  any  attention  to 
music  since  my  marriage ;  I  had  always  pretended  that  I 
could  not  sing.  Even  my  wife  was  not  aware  of  my  talent ; 
and  although  latterly  I  had  no  fear  of  the  kind,  yet  as  I  had 
always  stated  my  inability,  I  did  not  choose  to  bring  forth 
a  talent,  the  reason  for  concealing  which  I  could  not  explain 
even  to  my  wife  and  mother,  without  acknowledging  the 
deception  of  which  I  had  been  guilty. 

It  happened  that  one  evening  at  a  large  party  I  met  my 
cousin,  the  heir  of  the  entailed  estates.  We  were  very 
joyous  and  merry,  and  had  drunk  a  good  deal  more  than 
usual.  The  wine  was  powerful,  and  had  taken  effect  upon 
most  of  us.  Singing  was  introduced,  and  the  night  passed 
merrily  away,  more  visitors  occasionally  dropping  in.  My 
cousin  was  much  elated  with  wine,  and  made  several  ill- 
natured  remarks,  which  were  meant  for  me.  I  took  no 
notice  for  some  time,  but,  as  he  continued,  I  answered 
with  such  spirit,  as  to  arouse  his  indignation.  My  own 
blood  boiled ;  but  the  interference  of  mutual  friends 
pacified  us  for  the  time,  and  we  renewed  our  applications 
to  the  bottle.  My  cousin  was  called  upon  for  a  song  -,  he 
had  a  fine  voice  and  considerable  execution,  and  was  much 
applauded. 

**  Now,  then,"  said  he,  in  an  ironical  tone,  "  perhaps 
Don  Pedro  will  oblige  the  company ;  although  perhaps  the 
real  way  to  oblige  them  will  be  by  not  attempting  that  of 
which  he  is  not  capable." 

Stung  with  this  sarcasm,  and  flushed  with  wine,  I  forgot 
my  prudence.  Snatching  the  guitar  from  him,  after  a 
prelude  which  created  the  greatest  astonishment  of  all 
present,  I  commenced  one  of  my  most  successful  airs  i  I 
sang  it  in  my  best  style,  and  it  electrified  the  whole  party. 
Shouts   proclaimed   my   victory,    and   the   defeat    of    my 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  89 

relative.  Some  embraced  me  in  their  enthusiasm,  and  all 
loudly  encored  ;  but  as  soon  as  there  was  a  moment's 
silence,  I  heard  a  voice  behind  me  observe — **  Either  that 
is  the  monk  Anselmo's  voice,  or  the  devil's." 

I  started  at  the  words,  and  turned  round  to  the  speaker, 
but  he  had  mingled  with  the  crowd,  and  I  could  not 
discover  who  it  was.  I  perceived  that  my  relative  had 
followed  him  on ;  and  I  now  cursed  my  own  imprudence. 
As  soon  as  I  could,  I  made  my  escape  from  the  company, 
and  returned  home.  As  I  afterwards  found  out,  my 
relative  had  immediately  communicated  with  the  person 
who  had  made  the  observation.  He  was  one  of  the  priests 
who  knew  me  at  Seville.  From  him,  my  cousin  gained  the 
information  that  brother  Anselmo  had  left  the  convent 
about  five  years  ago,  and  not  having  returned,  it  was 
thought  that  an  accident  had  happened  to  him.  But  a 
discovery  had  since  been  made,  which  led  them  to  suppose, 
that  brother  Anselmo  had,  for  some  time,  been  carrying 
on  a  system  of  deception.  You  may  remember  I  stated, 
that  when  I  resumed  my  worldly  apparel  to  introduce 
myself  as  the  son  of  Donna  Celia,  I  changed  the  dress  at 
my  lodgings.  I  locked  up  my  friar's  dress  and  the  false 
tonsure  in  the  chest,  intending  to  have  returned,  and 
destroyed  it ;  but  I  quite  forgot  it,  and  left  Seville  with 
the  key  of  my  lodgings  in  my  pocket.  The  landlord 
waited  until  his  rent  was  due,  when,  not  hearing  anything 
of  me,  he  broke  open  the  door  and  found  the  chest.  This 
he  opened,  and  discovered  the  false  tonsure  and  friar's 
^own.  Knowing  the  monastic  order  to  which  it  belonged, 
and  suspecting  some  mischief,  he  took  it  to  our  convent, 
and  all  the  habits  of  the  monks  being  numbered  in  the 
inside,  it  was  immediately  recognised  as  mine  :  the  false 
tonsure  also  betrayed  that  I  must  have  been  breaking 
through  the  rules  of  my  order,  and  the  most  rigorous 
search  after  me  was  made  for  some  time  without  success. 
Possessed  of  this  information,  my  vindictive  relative  re- 
paired to  Seville  to  ascertain  the  exact  date  of  my  quitting 
the   convent,  and  found  that  it  was   about   a   fortnight 


90  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

previous  to  Donna  Celia  having  quitted  Seville.  He  then 
repaired  to  the  landlord  for  further  information.  The 
landlord  stated  that  the  lodgings  had  been  taken  by  a 
monk,  for  his  brother,  who  had  occupied  them.  He 
described  the  brother's  person,  which  exactly  corresponded 
with  mine  ;  and  my  relation  was  convinced  that  the  monk 
Anselmo  and  Don  Pedro  were  one  and  the  same  person. 
He  immediately  gave  notice  to  the  Inquisition.  In  the 
mean  time,  I  was  in  the  greatest  consternation.  I  felt  that 
I  should  be  discovered,  and  reflected  upon  my  conduct. 
I  had  lately  abjured  all  deceit,  and  had  each  day  gained  a 
step  in  the  path  of  virtue.  I  acknowledged  with  bitterness, 
that  I  deserved  all  that  threatened  me,  and  that  sooner  or 
later,  vice  will  meet  with  its  reward.  Had  I  at  first  made 
known  my  situation  to  Donna  Celia,  she  would  have  had 
interest  enough  (believing  me  to  be  her  son),  to  have 
obtained  a  dispensation  of  my  vows.  I  then  might  have 
boldly  faced  the  world — but  one  act  of  duplicity  required 
another  to  support  it,  and  thus  had  I  entangled  myself  in  a 
snarp,  by  which  I  was  to  be  entrapped  at  last.  But  it  was 
not  for  myself  that  I  cared  ;  it  was  for  my  wife  whom 
I  doted  on — for  my  mother  (or  supposed  mother),  to 
whom  it  would  be  the  bitterness  of  death.  The  thoughts 
of  rendering  others  miserable  as  well  as  myself  drove  me 
to  distraction — and  how  to  act  I  knew  not. 

After  much  reflection,  I  resolved  as  a  last  resource,  to 
throw  myself  upon  the  generosity  of  my  adversary ;  for 
although  inimical  to  me,  he  bore  a  high  character  as  a 
Spanish  cavalier.  I  desired  to  be  informed  the  moment 
that  he  returned  from  Seville  ;  and  when  the  intelligence 
came,  I  immediately  repaired  to  his  house,  and  requested 
an  audience.  I  was  admitted,  when  Don  Alvarez,  for  that 
was  his  name,  addressed  me. 

"  You  wish  to  speak  with  me,  DonTedro — there  are  others 
at  your  house  by  this  time,  who  wish  to  speak  with  you." 

I  guessed  that  he  meant  the  officers  of  the  Inquisition, 
but  pretending  not  to  understand  the  remark,  I  answered 
him :  **  Don  Alvarez,  the  enmity  that  you  have  invariably 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  91 

shown  towards  me  has,  I  am  sure,  proceeded  from  the 
affront,  which  you  consider  that  your  noble  family  has 
received,  by  your  cousin  having  formed  an  alliance  with 
one  of  unknown  parentage.  I  have  long  borne  with  your 
pointed  insults,  out  of  respect  for  her  who  gave  me  birth  ; 
I  am  now  about  to  throw  myself  upon  your  generosity, 
and  probably  when  I  inform  you,  that  I  am  the  unhappy 
issue  of  the  early  amour  of  Donna  Celia  (which  of  course 
you  have  heard  of),  I  may  then  claim  your  compassion,  if 
not  your  friendship,  from  having  at  least  some  of  the  same 
noble  blood  in  my  veins." 

**  I  was  not  indeed  aware  of  it,"  replied  Don  Alvarez, 
with  agitation ;  "I  would  to  heaven  you  had  confided  in 
me  before." 

"Perhaps  it  would  have  been  better,"  replied  I,  "but 
permit  me  to  prove  my  assertions."  I  then  stated  my 
having  been  the  friar  Anselmo,  the  discovery  of  my  birth 
by  accident,  and  the  steps  which  I  had  taken.  "I  am 
aware,"  continued  I,  "  that  I  have  been  much  to  blame, 
but  my  love  for  Donna  Clara  made  me  regardless  of  con- 
sequences. Your  unfortunate  enmity  induced  me,  in  an 
unguarded  moment,  to  expose  myself,  and  it  will  probably 
end  in  my  destruction." 

"  I  acknowledge  the  truth  of  your  remark,  and  that  no 
power  can  save  you.  I  lament  it,  Don  Pedro ;  but  what 
is  done  cannot  be  undone.  Even  now  the  officers  of  the 
Inquisition  are  at  your  house."  As  he  uttered  these  words, 
a  loud  knocking  at  the  door  announced  that  they  had 
followed  me.  "  This  must  not  be,  Don  Pedro,"  said  Don 
Alvarez,  "  step  this  way."  He  opened  a  panel,  and 
desired  me  to  go  in — and  he  hardly  had  time  to  shut  it 
before  the  officers  came  into  the  room. 

"  You  have  him  here,  Don  Alvarez,  have  you  not  ? " 
inquired  the  chief. 

"No,  unfortunately,"  replied  he,  "I  tried  to  detain  him, 
but  suspecting  some  discovery  he  forced  his  way  out, 
sword  in  hand,  and  has  gone  I  do  not  know  in  what 
direction  ;  but  he  cannot  be  far — saddle  all  the  horses  in 


92  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

my  stable  and  pursue  the  sacrilegious  wretch.  I  would 
sacrifice  half  my  worldly  wealth,  that  he  should  not  escape 
my  vengeance." 

As  Don  Alvarez  was  the  informant,  and  uttered  these 
words  with  the  apparent  violence  of  rage,  the  inquisitors 
had  no  suspicion,  but  hastened  to  comply  with  his  request. 
As  soon  as  they  had  departed,  he  opened  the  panel  and 
let  me  out. 

"  So  far,  Don  Pedro,  have  I  proved  the  sincerity  of  my 
assertion ;  but  now,  what  remains  to  be  done  ? " 

"  But  one  thing,  Don  Alvarez,  to  conceal  the  truth 
from  my  poor  wife  and  mother.  I  could  bear  it  all  with 
firmness,  but  for  them"  (and  I  fell  on  a  sofa  and  burst 
into  tears).     Don  Alvarez  was  much  affected. 

"  Oh,  Don  Pedro  !  it  is  too  late  now,  or  I  should  say, 
*  What  a  warning  this  ought  to  be  to  us — that  honesty  is 
the  best  policy  !  '  Had  you  communicated  to  me  the 
mystery  of  your  birth,  this  never  would  have  occurred. 
Instead  of  having  been  your  persecutor,  I  should  have 
been  your  friend. — What  can  I  do  ?  " 

"  Kill  me,  Don  Alvarez,"  replied  I,  baring  my  breast, 
"  and  I  will  bless  you  for  the  deed.  My  death  may  afflict 
them,  but  they  will  recover  from  their  grief  in  time ;  but 
to  know  that  I  am  murdered  by  the  Inquisition,  as  a 
sacrilegious  impostor,  will  bring  them  to  their  grave  with 
shame  and  mortification." 

**  Your  observation  is  correct,  but  kill  you  I  must  not. 
I  will,  however,  so  far  comply  with  your  wishes,  that  I 
will  bear  the  news  of  your  death,  and  their  hatred  of  the 
deed,  rather  than  the  family  should  be  disgraced."  He 
then  went  to  his  scrutoire,  and  taking  out  a  bag  of  one 
thousand  pistoles — "  This  is  all  the  money  that  I  have  at 
present — it  will  serve  you  for  some  time.  Put  on  one  of 
my  servant's  dresses,  and  I  will  accompany  you  to  a  sea- 
port and  secure  your  safety  before  I  leave  you.  I  will 
then  state,  that  I  met  you  in  a  fair  duel,  and  will  bribe  the 
officers  of  the  Inquisition  to  hold  their  tongues  about  the 
circumstances  which  have  been  communicated." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  93 

The  advice  was  good  and  I  agreed  to  it ;  following  him 
as  a  servant,  I  arrived  safely  at  Carthagena,  whence  I  took 
a  passage  for  New  Spain.  We  sailed,  and  before  we 
were  clear  of  the  Straits  of  Gibraltar,  we  were  attacked 
by  one  of  the  cruisers  of  the  state.  "We  fought  desperately, 
but  were  overpowered  by  numbers,  and  they  took  posses- 
sion after  we  had  lost  more  than  half  of  our  crew.  They 
brought  us  into  this  port,  where,  with  the  rest,  I  was  sold 
as  a  slave. 

"  Such  is  my  history,"  ended  the  Spaniard,  "  which 
I  trust  has  afforded  some  amusement  to  your  sublime 
highness." 

The  immediate  answer  of  the  pacha  was  a  loud  yawn. 

"  Shukur  Allah !  Praise  be  to  God  you  have  done 
talking.  I  do  not  understand  much  about  it,"  continued 
the  pacha,  turning  round  to  Mustapha,  "  but  how  can 
we  expect  a  good  story  from  an  unbelieving  dog  of  a 
christian  ? " 

"Wallah  Thaib!  Well  said,  by  God!"  replied 
Mustapha;  "who  was  Lokman,  that  they  talk  of  his 
wisdom  ?  Are  not  these  words  of  more  value  than  strung 
pearls  ? " 

"  What  was  the  name  of  the  country  ? "  demanded  the 
pacha. 

"  Spain,  your  sublime  highness  ;  the  infidel  tribes  which 
you  allow  to  remain  there,  are  employed  in  cultivating  the 
olive  for  true  believers." 

"  Very  true,"  rejoined  the  pacha ;  "  I  remember  now. 
Let  the  Kafir  taste  of  our  bounty.  Give  him  two  pieces 
of  gold,  and  allow  him  to  depart." 

"  May  the  shadow  of  your  sublime  highness  never  be 
less,"  said  the  Spaniard.  "  I  have  here  a  manuscript 
which  I  received  from  an  ancient  monk  of  our  order  when 
at  the  point  of  death.  At  the  time  of  my  capture  it  was 
thrown  on  one  side,  and  I  preserved  it  as  curious.  It 
refers  to  the  first  discovery  of  an  island.  As  your  high- 
ness is  pleased  to  be  amused  with  stories,  it  may  be  worth 


94  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

while  to  have  it  translated."  The  Dominican  then  handed 
from  his  breast  a  discoloured  piece  of  parchment. 

"Very  good,"  replied  the  pacha,  rising.  "Mustapha! 
let  it  be  put  into  Arabic  by  the  Greek  slave,  who  shall 
read  it  to  us  some  evening  when  we  have  no  story-tellers." 

"  Be  Chesm  !  Upon  my  eyes  be  it,"  replied  Mustapha, 
bowing  low,  as  the  pacha  retired  to  his  harem. 


Chapter  V 

The  pacha  had  repeated  his  perambulations  for  many 
nights,  without  success  ;  and  Mustapha,  who  observed 
that  he  was  becoming  very  impatient,  thought  it  advisable 
to  cater  for  his  amusement. 

Among  those  v/ho  used  to  repair  to  Mustapha  when  he 
exercised  his  former  profession,  was  a  French  renegade,  a 
man  of  considerable  talent  and  ready  invention,  but  a  most 
unprincipled  scoundrel,  who,  previous  to  the  elevation  of 
Mustapha,  had  gained  his  livelihood  by  daring  piratical 
attempts  in  an  open  boat.  He  was  now  in  the  employ  of 
the  vizier,  commanding  an  armed  xebeque  which  the 
latter  had  purchased.  She  passed  ofF  as  a  government 
cruiser,  but  was  in  reality  a  pirate.  Selim,  for  that  was 
the  name  which  the  renegade  had  adopted  when  he  abjured 
his  faith,  condemned  every  vessel  that  had  the  misfortune 
to  meet  with  him,  taking  out  the  cargoes,  burning  the 
hull,  and  throwing  the  crews  overboard,  with  the  privi- 
lege of  swimming  on  shore  if  they  could.  By  this  plan  he 
avoided  the  inconveniences  attending  any  appeals  from  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  High  Court  of  Admiralty,  which  he  had 
established  upon  the  seas. 

The  consequence  was,  that  his  cruises  were  more 
successful  than  ever,  and  Mustapha,  who  was  not  content 
with  pillaging  the  pacha's  subjects  on  dry  land,  was 
amassing  a  large  fortune  at  their  expense  by  his  maritime 
speculations. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  95 

Occasionally,  bales  or  packages  would  be  recognised 
when  landed  as  having  the  identical  marks  and  numbers 
of  those  which  had  been  shipped  from  the  quay  but  a 
fortnight  before ;  but  the  renegade  could  always  give  a 
satisfactory  explanation  to  the  vizier ;  and  after  a  Jew, 
who  could  not  bear  the  idea  of  parting  with  his  property 
without  remonstrance,  had  been  impaled,  people  shrugged 
up  their  shoulders  and  said  nothing. 

Now  it  occurred  to  Mustapha,  that  Selim  might  be 
able  to  assist  his  views.  He  talked  fast  and  loud,  vaunted 
his  own  exploits,  curled  his  whiskers  as  he  swore  to  the 
most  improbable  assertions,  and  had  become  a  general 
nuisance  and  terror  since  he  had  obtained  the  vizier's 
protection. 

Mustapha  sent  for  him,  and,  as  a  preliminary  question, 
inquired  if  ever  he  had  read  the  Arabian  Nights. 

"Yes,  vizier,"  replied  the  renegade;  "many  years 
before  I  turned  Turk." 

"Do  you  recollect  the  voyages  of  Sindbad  the  Sailor?" 

"  To  be  sure  I  do ;  he  is  the  only  man  that  could  ever 
hold  a  candle  to  me  in  lying." 

"  Well,  then,  his  highness  the  pacha  delights  in  such 
stories  ;  and  it  is  my  wish  that  you  prepare  to  recount 
your  own  voyages,  as  Sindbad  has  done  before  you." 

"  But  what  am  I  to  get  for  it  ?  " 

"  My  good-will  and  protection ;  besides  which,  his 
highness,  if  pleased,  will  not  fail  to  order  you  a  hand- 
some present." 

"  Well,"  replied  Selim,  "  any  man  who  can  produce 
gold  in  this  world  will  always  be  able  to  change  it  for 
base  metal.  I  can  coin  lies  in  my  mint  faster  than  he 
can  coin  sequins  in  his  ;  and  since  you  wish  it,  and  say 
that  it  will  be  profitable,  why — I  am  very  much  at  his 
service." 

"  Then,  Selim,  observe  my  directions,  for  every  thing 
must  appear  accidental." 

In  pursuance  to  the  orders  received  from  Mustapha,  the 
renegade  remained  that  evening  at  the  corner  of  a  certain 


g6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

street,  through  which  Mustapha  took  care  that  the  pacha 
should  pass  in  his  disguise.  When  he  perceived  their 
approach,  the  renegade  exclaimed.  "  Allah,  Allah  !  when 
is  the  happy  time  to  come,  promised  in  my  seventh  and 
last  voyage  ? " 

"  Who  are  you,  and  why  do  you  call  upon  Heaven 
for  happy  times  ? "  inquired  the  pacha. 

"I  am  Huckaback  the  Sailor,"  replied  the  renegade, 
"  who,  after  a  life  of  danger  and  disaster,  am  anxiously 
awaiting  the  fulfilment  of  a  promise  from  the  Most 
High." 

"  I  must  see  this  man  to-morrow,"  observed  the  pacha : 
— "Mustapha,  as  you  value  your  life,  see  that  he 
attends." 

The  vizier  bowed,  and  the  pacha  returned  to  the 
palace  without  further  adventure. 

The  next  day,  as  soon  as  the  business  of  the  divan 
had  closed,  the  renegade  was  ordered  in.  Prostrating 
himself  before  the  pacha,  he  then  rose,  and,  folding  his 
arms  over  his  breast,  awaited  his  commands  in  silence. 

"  I  have  sent  for  you.  Huckaback,  to  inquire  the 
meaning  of  the  words  you  made  use  of  last  night :  and 
to  know  what  was  the  promise  made  to  you  in  your 
seventh  and  last  voyage ;  but  I  will  thank  you  to  begin 
at  the  first,  as  I  wish  to  hear  the  history  of  all  your 
voyages." 

"  May  it  please  you  highness,  as  I  live  but  to  obey  you, 
all  that  has  occurred  in  my  eventful  life  shall,  if  you 
command  it,  be  submitted  to  your  ear.  It  will,  however, 
be  necessary  that  I  should  revert  to  my  early  days  to 
enable  your  highness  more  fully  to  comprehend  the 
whole." 

"  Aferin  !  well  said,"  replied  the  pacha  j  "  I  don't  care 
how  long  a  story  it  is,  provided  that  it  is  a  good  one : " 
and  Selim,  having  obeyed  a  sign  from  his  highness,  in- 
timating that  he  might  sit  down,  commenced  as  follows. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  97 


HUCKABACK. 

I  am  a  native  of  Marseilles,  your  highness,  where  I  was 
brought  up  to  the  profession  of  my  father ;  a  profession 
(continued  the  wily  renegade),  which,  I  have  no  hesita- 
tion to  assert,  has  produced  more  men  of  general  informa- 
tion, and  more  men  of  talent,  than  any  other — I  mean 
that  of  a  barber. 

"  Wallah  Thaib ;  well  said,  by  Allah !  "  observed 
Mustapha. 

The  pacha  nodded  his  approbation,  and  the  renegade 
proceeded  with  his  story. 

I  was  gifted  by  nature  with  a  ready  invention,  and 
some  trouble  and  expense  were  bestowed  upon  my 
education.  To  the  profession  of  a  barber,  my  father 
added  that  of  bleeding  and  tooth-drawing.  At  ten  years 
old  I  could  cut  hair  pretty  well.  People  did  say,  that 
those  upon  whom  I  had  operated,  looked  as  if  their  heads 
had  been  gnawed  by  the  rats ;  but  it  was  the  remark  of 
envy,  and  as  my  father  observed,  "  there  must  be  a 
beginning  to  every  thing." 

At  fifteen,  I  entered  upon  the  rudiments  of  shaving ; 
and  after  having  nearly  ruined  my  father's  credit,  from  the 
pounds  of  flesh  which  I  removed  with  the  hair  of  my 
customers  (who  were  again  consoled  by  his  observing 
that  "  there  must  be  a  beginning  to  every  thing  "),  I  became 
quite  expert.  I  was  subsequently  initiated  into  the  higher 
branches  of  tooth-drawing  and  bleeding.  In  the  former, 
at  first  I  gave  great  dissatisfaction,  either  from  breaking 
the  decayed  tooth  short  off,  and  leaving  the  stump  in  the 
socket,  or  from  mistaking  the  one  pointed  out,  and  drawing 
a  sound  engine  of  mastication  in  its  stead.  In  the  latter,  I 
made  more  serious  mistakes,  having  more  than  once  cut  so 
deep  as  to  open  the  artery,  while  I  missed  the  vein  ;  in 
consequence  of  which  I  was  never  afterwards  employed, 
P  G 


98  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

except  by  a  husband  to  relieve  a  scolding  wife,  or  by 
nephews  who  were  anxious  about  the  health  of  an  ever- 
lasting uncle.  But,  as  my  father  wisely  observed,  "  there 
must  be  a  beginning  to  everything ; "  and,  as  I  could  only 
practise  upon  living  subjects,  "  individuals  must  suffer  for 
the  good  of  the  community  at  large."  At  the  age  of 
twenty  I  was  an  accomplished  barber. 

But  rapid  as  was  my  career,  I  was  not  fated  to  continue 
in  it  long.  Like  the  shot  propelled  from  the  mouth  of  the 
cannon,  which,  in  its  extreme  velocity,  is  turned  from  the 
direction  which  has  been  given  it  by  glancing  along  the 
weakest  substance,  so  was  my  course  of  life  changed  from 
its  direction  by  meeting  with  a  woman. 

My  father  had  a  good  customer ;  he  had  shaved  him 
every  morning  for  years,  had  extracted  every  tooth  in  his 
head,  and  was  now  winding  up  his  long  account  by 
bleeding  him  daily,  under  the  direction  of  an  ignorant 
apothecary.  I  was  often  at  the  house — not  to  bleed  him, 
for  my  father  either  thought  him  too  valuable,  or  was  too 
grateful  for  past  favours  to  trust  him  in  my  hands  ; — but  I 
held  the  basin,  procured  water,  and  arranged  the  bandages. 
He  had  a  daughter,  a  lovely  girl,  whom  I  adored  in  secret  ; 
but  her  rank  in  life  was  too  far  above  mine  to  allow  me  to 
express  my  feelings.  I  was  then  a  handsome  young  man, 
although  Time  has  since  exerted  his  utmost,  through 
jealousy,  to  make  me  appear  almost  as  old  and  ill-favoured 
as  himself.  The  young  lady  took  a  fancy  to  me, 
complained  of  the  toothache,  and  asked  for  remedies.  I 
offered  to  extract  the  tooth ;  but  either  having  heard  of  my 
reputation,  or  not  wishing  to  remove  the  excuse  for  our 
interviews,  or,  what  is  still  more  probable,  having  no 
toothache  whatever,  she  would  not  consent. 

The  death  of  her  mother,  which  had  taken  place  when 
she  was  a  child,  had  left  her  without  guidance, — and  the 
helpless  situation  of  her  father,  without  protection. 
Naturally  of  a  warm  temperament,  and  yielding  to  the 
impulse  of  her  feelings,  she  carried  on  an  intimacy  which 
could  only  end  in  her  disgrace  ;  and,  at  the  expiration  of  a 


The  Pacha  of  Maiiy  Tales  99 

year,  her  situation  could  no  longer  be  concealed.  I  was 
now  in  a  dilemma.  She  had  two  brothers  in  the  army, 
who  were  returning  home,  and  I  dreaded  their  vengeance. 
I  loved  her  very  much,  but  I  loved  myself  more ;  so,  one 
evening,  I  packed  up  all  that  I  could  call  my  own,  and  all 
that  I  could  lay  my  hands  on  belonging  to  my  honoured 
parent,  and  shipped  on  board  a  Genoese  vessel,  which  was 
then  standing  out  of  the  harbour.  She  was  a  large  ship, 
mounting  twelve  long  guns,  with  a  complement  of  sixty 
men  ;  being  what  is  termed  in  European  countries  a  "  letter 
of  marque."  This  implies  that  she  fights  her  way  without 
convoy,  capturing  any  of  the  enemy's  vessels  she  may 
happen  to  fall  in  with,  who  are  not  strong  enough  to  resist 
her.  We  had  cleared  out  for  Genoa  with  a  cargo  of  lead, 
which  lay  at  the  bottom  of  the  hold,  and  which  merely 
served  for  ballast. 

I  soon  found  out,  by  the  conversation  of  the  crew,  that 
we  were  not  to  proceed  to  Genoa  direct ;  in  fact,  your 
highness,  she  was  a  pirate,  manned  by  a  most  desperate  set 
of  men.  As  soon  as  my  qualifications  were  made  known, 
I  had  the  honour  to  remove  the  beards  of  sixty  of  the 
greatest  villains  that  ever  were  permitted  to  exist,  receiving 
nothing  but  blows  and  curses  for  my  trouble.  I  certainly 
improved  very  much  in  my  profession  ;  for  it  was  as  much 
as  my  life  was  worth  to  draw  blood,  although  they  made 
no  scruple  of  carrying  on  a  conversation  during  the  whole 
time  of  the  operation.  We  had  taken  the  cargoes  out  of 
several  vessels,  all  of  which  were  added  to  the  "  manifest  " 
by  our  correct  captain  ;  when  one  day,  we  were  chased  by 
an  English  frigate.  I  never  met  the  English  on  shore,  but 
I  must  say  that,  afloat,  they  are  the  most  impertinent 
people  that  swim  on  the  seas.  They  cannot  be  content 
with  minding  their  own  business,  although  they  have  plenty 
on  their  hands,  but  they  must  interfere  in  that  of  others. 
They  board  you,  and  insist  upon  knowing  where  you  come 
from,  whither  you  are  bound,  and  what  you  have  on  board  ; 
examining  you  virith.  as  much  scrutiny  as  if  they  had  been 
the  delegated  custom-house  ofiicers  of  the  whole  world. 


100  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

Now  it  did  not  exactly  suit  our  captain  to  submit  to  such 
a  rigorous  search  ;  he  therefore  made  all  sail  for  an  island 
about  seven  miles  distant,  and  anchored  under  the  protec- 
tion of  a  battery.  Austria — the  nation  to  whom  the  island 
belonged — was  not  at  war  with  England  ;  she  was  pre- 
serving what  is  called  an  "  armed  neutrality." 

"  Pray  what  is  the  meaning  of  an  armed  neutrality  ?  "  de- 
manded the  pacha. 

"  It  varies  according  to  circumstances,  your  highness  5 
but,  generally  speaking,  it  means  a  charge  of  bayonets." 

The  frigate  followed ;  and  being  prevented  by  the 
shallowness  of  the  water  from  approaching  sufficiently 
near  to  us  herself,  sent  her  boats  to  examine  us  :  but 
as  there  were  six  of  them  full  of  men,  and  each  mounting 
a  gun  at  her  bow,  our  captain  thought  it  advisable  to 
refuse  them  permission  to  come  on  board.  As  a  hint 
that  he  disapproved  of  their  measures,  he  poured  his 
whole  broadside  of  round  and  grape  into  them,  when  they 
were  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  distant :  upon  which  they 
gave  three  cheers,  and  were  obstinate  enough  to  pull 
faster  towards  us  than  ever. 

We  received  them  with  all  the  honours  of  war,  in  the 
shape  of  cutlasses,  pistols  and  boarding  pikes ;  but  they 
were  very  determined.  As  soon  as  one  was  knocked 
down,  another  jumped  up  in  his  place ;  and  somehow 
or  another  they  had  possession  of  the  ship  in  less  time 
than  I  have  been  telling  the  story.  I  was  on  the  poop, 
when  an  English  sailor,  with  a  pigtail  as  thick  as  a  cable 
made  a  cut  at  me :  I  ran  back  to  avoid  the  blow,  and,  in  so 
doing,  came  with  such  force  against  another  of  their  men, 
that  we  both  tumbled  overboard  together.  I  lost  my 
cutlass,  but  he  had  not  parted  with  his ;  and  as  soon 
as  we  rose  to  the  surface,  he  seized  me  by  the  collar, 
and  presented  the  point  to  my  breast.  It  seemed  to 
be  ail  the  same  to  him  whether  he  fought  on  the  deck 
or  in  the  water.     Fortunately  I  shifted  a  little  on  one  side, 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  loi 

and  he  only  drove  it  through  my  jacket.  I  recollected 
that  I  had  my  razor  in  my  pocket,  which  I  took  out  under 
the  water  unperceived,  and,  closing  with  him  before  he 
could  repeat  his  thrust,  I  cut  his  throat  from  ear  to  ear, 
and  then  made  for  the  shore  as  fast  as  I  could.  As  I 
swam  remarkably  well,  I  had  no  great  difficulty  in  reaching 
it.  As  soon  as  I  landed,  I  looked  back,  and  observing 
that  the  English  boats  were  towing  our  vessel  out  I  made 
all  the  haste  I  could  to  the  fort,  which  was  close  at  hand. 
There  I  was  hospitably  received,  and  we  sat  up  till  past 
midnight,  drinking,  smoking,  and  abusing  the  English. 

The  next  morning,  a  felucca  anchored  to  procure  some 
water,  and,  as  she  was  proceeding  to  Toulon,  I  requested 
a  passage.  We  sailed  with  a  fine  breeze  ;  but  a  heavy 
gale  came  on,  which  tossed  us  about  for  many  days,  and  the 
master  of  the  vessel  had  no  idea  to  where  she  had  been 
driven.  He  consoled  us,  however,  by  asserting  that 
we  could  never  go  to  the  bottom,  as  there  was  a  lady 
of  great  sanctity  passenger  in  the  cabin,  who  had  been  sent 
for  to  assume  the  office  of  lady  abbess  of  a  convent 
near  Marseilles,  and  whom  the  saints  would  indubitably 
preserve. 

This  was  some  comfort,  although  fine  weather  would 
have  been  greater.  The  gale  continued ;  and  the  next 
morning  we  thought  that  we  descried  land  on  the  lee 
beam.  The  following  night  we  were  certain  of  our 
conjectures  having  been  correct,  for  the  vessel  was  thrown 
on  shore,  and  in  a  few  minutes  went  to  pieces.  I  had  the 
good  fortune  to  save  myself  upon  a  part  of  the  wreck, 
and  lay  half-dead  upon  the  beach  until  the  morning. 
When  the  day  broke,  I  looked  around  me :  there  were 
the  fragments  of  the  vessel  strewed  upon  the  beach, 
or  tossed  in  mockery  by  the  surge  ;  and  close  to  me  lay 
the  dead  body  of  the  lady,  whose  sanctity  the  captain  had 
assured  us  would  be  a  safeguard  to  us  all.  I  then  turned 
from  the  beach  to  look  at  the  inland  country,  and  per- 
ceived, to  my  astonishment,  that  I  was  not  three  miles 
from   my    native   city,    Marseilles.      This   was    a   horrid 


102  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

discovery ;  for  I  knew  that  I  should  receive  no  mercy, 
and  could  not  proceed  a  mile  without  being  recognised. 
What  to  do  was  now  the  subject  of  my  thoughts ;  and 
at  last,  as  I  viewed  the  body  of  the  dead  lady,  it  occurred 
to  me  that  I  might  pass  myself  off  for  her. 

I  stripped  it  of  its  outer  garment,  and  having  then 
hauled  my  own  clothes  upon  the  corpse,  and  covered  it 
over  with  sea-weed,  I  dressed  myself  in  the  religious 
habit  which  she  had  worn,  and  sat  down  awaiting  the 
arrival  of  the  people,  which  I  knew  must  soon  take  place. 
I  was  then  without  a  symptom  of  beard ;  and,  from  the 
hardship  and  ill-treatment  which  I  had  received  on  board 
of  the  Genoese,  was  thin  and  sallow  in  the  face.  It  was 
easy  in  a  nun's  dress  to  mistake  me  for  a  woman  of  thirty- 
five  years  of  age,  who  had  been  secluded  in  a  cloister. 
In  the  pockets  of  her  clothes  I  found  letters,  which 
gave  me  the  necessary  clue  to  my  story,  and  I  resolved 
to  pass  myself  off  as  La  Sceur  Eustasie,  rather  than  be  put 
in  prison,  or  run  through  the  body. 

I  had  scarcely  time  to  finish  reading  these  documents, 
when  a  party,  attracted  by  the  fragments  on  the  beach, 
came  up  to  me.  I  narrated  the  loss  of  the  vessel,  the 
death  of  the  whole  crew,  my  name  and  condition,  my 
having  come  over  at  the  request  of  the  bishop  to  assume 
the  guidance  of  the  convent  of  St  Therese ;  and  added, 
that  I  had  called  upon  the  Virgin  in  my  distress,  who  had 
come  to  my  aid,  and  floated  nie  on  shore  with  as  much 
care  and  comfort  as  if  I  had  been  reposing  on  cushions  of 
dov/n.  The  report  was  spread  and  credited;  for  the 
circumstance  of  a  helpless  woman  being  the  sole  survivor 
of  a  whole  crew  was  miracle  enough  in  itself. 

The  bishop's  carriage  was  sent  for  me,  and  I  was 
conducted  into  the  town,  followed  by  a  concourse  of 
priests,  monks,  and  common  people,  who  were  anxious 
to  kiss  even  the  ground  that  had  been  trod  upon  by  a 
personage  so  especially  under  the  protection  of  Heaven. 
I  was  conducted  to  the  bishop's  palace,  where  I  held 
a  sort   of  court,  being  visited  by  deputations  from  the 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  103 

official  bodies,  the  governor,  and  all  the  people  of  conse- 
quence. After  a  sojourn  of  three  days,  I  removed  to  the 
convent  of  which  I  was  the  supposed  abbess,  and  was 
enthusiastically  received  by  the  nuns,  who  flocked  round 
me  with  mingled  veneration  and  delight. 

On  the  second  day  of  my  establishment  as  abbess,  the 
two  elder  sisters,  who  could  with  difficulty  be  got  rid  of 
even  when  I  retired  to  bed  the  night  before,  introduced  the 
whole  of  the  nuns  in  rotation,  beginning  with  the  elder, 
and  ending  with  those  who  last  took  the  vow  of  chastity. 
I  felt  little  interest,  I  must  confess,  at  the  commencement 
of  my  levee  ;  but  as  it  came  near  to  a  close,  many  beautiful 
countenances  attracted  my  attention  and  I  gave  the  kiss  of 
peace  with  more  zest  than  prudence  would  have  justified. 
The  last  of  the  sisterhood  came  forward,  and  was  intro- 
duced as  Sceur  Marie.  Gracious  Heaven  !  it  was  the  poor 
girl  whom  I  had  deserted.  I  started  when  I  saw  her 
advance :  her  eyes  were  bent  upon  the  ground,  as  if  in 
reverence  to  my  acknowledged  sanctity.  As  she  knelt 
before  me  to  receive  the  kiss,  she  raised  them  up.  Love 
can  pierce  through  all  disguises. — At  the  moment,  she 
thought  that  she  beheld  her  fugitive  lover,  and  caught  her 
breath  in  amazement — but  recollection  pointed  out  to  her 
the  utter  impossibility  of  the  fact,  and  she  sighed  at  the 
uncommon  likeness,  as  she  received  the  kiss  from  those 
lips  which  had  indeed  been  so  often  pressed  to  hers  before. 

When  the  ceremony  had  been  gone  through  I  complained 
of  fatigue,  and  requested  to  be  left  alone. 

I  wished  to  reflect  upon  what  had  passed,  and  determine 
how  I  was  to  act :  to  escape  the  danger  which  threatened 
me,  I  had  placed  myself  in  a  situation  of  still  greater  diffi- 
culty. Where  could  it  end  ?  After  a  long  reverie,  I 
decided  that  I  would  make  Marie  my  confidante,  and  trust 
to  circumstances  to  guide  my  future  conduct.  I  rang  the 
bell,  and,  requesting  the  presence  of  the  elder  sister  of  the 
convent,  commenced  an  inquiry  into  the  different  characters 
of  the  nuns  who  had  been  presented. 

Flattered   by  the   confidence   demanded,  there  was  no 


104  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

end  to  the  loquacity  and  the  ill-natured  remarks  of  the  old 
beldame :  she  held  her  list  in  her  hand,  and  ran  over  the 
families  and  private  history  of  each.  It  was  two  hours 
before  she  had  finished,  which  she  did  with  Marie,  of 
whose  history  she  gave  me  a  most  minute  detail ;  and  if 
she  was  as  correct  in  her  reports  of  all  the  others,  I 
certainly  had  no  reason  to  compliment  myself  upon  being 
abbess,  as  far  as  the  previous  characters  of  the  nuns  under 
my  surveillance  were  concerned.  "  Good  sister,"  replied 
I,  "I  thank  you  for  your  information,  which  I  shall  not 
fail  to  profit  by  in  my  plans  for  the  improvement  of  the 
morality  of  those  under  my  charge.  I  have  always  made 
it  a  rule,  that  one  of  the  sisterhood  should  remain  in  my 
room  every  night,  to  watch  and  do  penance.  I  have  found 
that  when  coupled  with  my  seasonable  exhortations,  it  has 
produced  an  excellent  effect.  Of  course  I  allude  not  to 
sage  and  devout  women  like  you  ;  I  refer  to  those  who  in 
their  folly  and  their  flow  of  youthful  passions,  have  not  yet 
humbled  themselves  sufficiently  by  abstinence  and  morti- 
fication. Who  would  you  propose  to  watch  here  this 
night?" 

The  old  beldame,  who  I  had  perceived  by  the  violence 
of  her  manner,  had  a  dislike  to  Marie,  immediately  men- 
tioned her  as  one  to  whom  severe  penance  would  be  of 
especial  benefit.  I  conversed  with  her  for  another  half- 
hour  ;  then,  wishing  her  good-night,  prepared  for  bed,  and 
requested  that  Marie  might  be  summoned  to  attend. 

Marie  entered  with  her  book  of  Prieres  in  her  hand,  and, 
bowing  humbly  to  me  as  she  passed,  sat  down  near  to  the 
lamp  which  was  lighted  before  an  image  of  the  Virgin,  at 
the  farther  end  of  the  room,  and  commenced  her  task  of 
watching  and  of  prayer. 

"  Marie,"  said  I,  as  I  stood  by  the  bed :  she  uttered  a 
faint  scream  as  she  heard  my  voice  for  the  first  time,  and 
throwing  herself  down  upon  her  knees  before  the  image  of 
the  Virgin,  covered  her  face  with  her  hands,  and  appeared 
to  be  in  silent  but  earnest  supplication. 

*'  Marie,"  again  said  I,  **  come  here."     She   rose,  and 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  105 

came  trembling  to  the  foot  of  the  bed.  "  To  you,  and  to 
you  alone,  do  I  intrust  a  secret  which,  if  discovered,  would 
subject  me  to  a  painful  and  ignominious  death.  You  were 
not  deceived,  when  you  started  at  the  face  beneath  the 
nun's  attire ;  and  you  must  now  be  certain,  from  the  voice 
which  you  have  heard,  that  I  am  indeed  Fran9ois.  How  I 
became  the  lady  abbess  of  this  convent  you  have  yet  to 
learn."  I  then  narrated  what  I  have  already  done  to  your 
highness.  "By  what  means,"  continued  I,  "I  am  to 
deliver  myself  from  this  dangerous  situation,  I  know  not ; 
I  have,  however,  one  consolation,  in  finding  myself  once 
more  in  company  with  the  object  of  my  love. 

"Come  hither,  Marie;  it  is  indeed  your  own  Francois." 
Marie  remained  at  the  foot  of  the  bed,  but  advanced  not ; 
and  I  perceived  that  the  tears  fell  fast,  as  she  cast  her  eyes 
to  heaven. 

"  Speak  to  me,  Marie,  if  ever  you  loved  me." 

"  That  I  loved  you,  Francois,  you  know  full  well :  not 
even  your  unkind  desertion  could  affect  that  love,  which 
was  unchangeable.  I  dared  all  for  your  sake  ;  my  brothers, 
my  father,  could  not  extort  the  secret  from  me,  and  their 
suspicions,  although  directed  towards  you,  could  never  be 
confirmed.  I  bore  the  offspring  of  my  guilt  in  solitary 
anguish,  afterwards  loaded  with  reproaches  when  I  needed 
comfort  and  consolation,  and  stunned  with  imprecations 
when  I  required  soothing  and  repose.  I  buried  it  with 
shame  and  sorrow  and  contumely.  You  had  abandoned 
me,  and  I  felt  that  all  ties  to  this  world  were  over.  I  took 
the  veil,  and  never  was  the  world  quitted  by  so  willing  a 
votary  as  myself.     I  have  since  been  peaceful,  if  not  happy." 

"  And  now,  Marie,  you  shall  be  happy,"  cried  I, 
stretching  out  my  arms  to  her.  "Come  to  me,  I  will 
explain  my  motives  for  leaving  Marseilles,  and  what  my 
future  intentions  were,  if  they  had  not  been  frustrated  by 
unforeseen  events.     All  shall  yet  be  well." 

"  Fran9ois,  all  is  well.  I  have  taken  a  solemn  vow — it 
is  registered  in  heaven.  You  have  by  fraud  and  imposition 
entered  into  a  holy  place,  and  assumed  a  holy  character. 


io6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

Add  not  to  your  crime  by  even  harbouring  the  idea  of 
impropriety,  and  add  not  to  my  humiliation  by  supposing 
for  a  moment  that  I  am  capable  of  being  a  participator. 
Holy  Virgin,"  cried  she,  falling  on  her  knees,  "  I 
demand  thy  powerful  aid  in  this  conflict  of  worldly  passions 
and  holy  wishes.  Oh  !  make  me  dead  to  all  but  thee,  and 
to  the  spouse  whom  I  have  accepted  at  thy  hands." 

She  then  rose  and  continued — "  How  you  will  be  able 
to  leave  this  convent,  Fran9ois,  I  know  not ;  but  your 
secret  is  safe  with  me,  provided  that  you  do  not  again 
request  my  presence,  as  you  have  this  night.  My  prayers 
shall  ever  be  for  you,  but  we  must  meet  no  more ; "  and 
Marie  waved  her  hand  mournfully,  and  quitted  the  apart- 
ment. 

Although  I  had  always  a  great  contempt  for  the  Catholic 
religion,  of  which  I  at  that  period  was  a  member,  I  was 
awed  by  the  beauty  of  virtue  as  it  appeared  in  Marie,  and 
I  passed  the  night  in  melancholy  reflections.  I  felt  more 
love  for  her  than  ever,  and  determined  upon  persuading 
her  to  quit  the  convent  and  become  my  wife.  The  next 
morning  I  sent  for  her. 

"  Marie,  you  gave  yourself  to  heaven,  when  you 
imagined  that  you  had  no  tie  upon  earth.  You  were 
deceived  •,  there  was  one  whom  you  still  loved,  and  who  still 
adored  you.  Vows  made  in  delusion  are  not  registered. 
Leave  this  convent  with  me,  become  my  wife,  and  you 
will  do  your  duty  better  towards  heaven  than  by  pining 
between  these  walls,  which  contain  nothing  but  envy, 
hatred,  and  remorse." 

**  Francois,  you  have  had  my  answer.  What  has  been 
done,  cannot  be  undone.  Save  yourself,  and  leave  me  to 
my  unhappy  fate,"  answered  Marie;  then  bursting  into 
tears,  "  O  Frangois,  why,  why  did  you  leave  me  without 
one  word  ?  Had  you  but  pointed  out  your  danger  to  me, 
I  should  have  been  the  first  to  have  insisted  upon  your 
absence,  and  all,  all  would  have  been  borne  with  patience, 
if  not  with  pleasure,  for  your  sake.  If  what  you  now  say 
is  truth,  all  would  have  been  well ;  but  now  I  have  naught 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  107 

to  cheer  me  in  my  lonely  pilgrimage,  and  naught  to  wish 
but  that  it  soon  may  come  unto  its  close.  I  forgive  you, 
Frangois,  but  pity  me,  for  I  deserve  your  pity." 

"  Once  more,  Marie,  I  entreat  you  to  consent  to  my 
proposal." 

'*  Never,  Francois ;  I  will  not  be  less  faithful  to  my 
God  than  I  was  to  you .  he  will  not  desert  me  -,  and  if  I 
suffer  now,  will  reward  me  for  it  hereafter."  And  Marie 
again  quitted  my  apartment. 

My  situation  in  the  nunnery  now  became  insupportable, 
and  I  determined  to  escape.  I  pleaded  ill  health  and  kept 
my  bed.  The  physician  of  a  neighbouring  convent,  who 
had  a  great  reputation,  was  sent  for  against  my  wishes. 
When  I  heard  of  his  arrival,  I  dressed  to  receive  him,  for  I 
was  fearful  of  some  scrutiny.  He  inquired  what  ailed  me  : 
I  answered  that  I  had  no  pain,  but  that  I  was  convinced  I 
should  soon  depart.  He  felt  my  pulse,  and  not  being  able 
to  discover  symptoms  of  disease  took  his  leave. 

To  the  elder  sisters  who  visited  me,  I  spoke  in  enigmas, 
and  told  them  that  I  had  a  summons,  that  they  must 
expect  soon  to  find  me  gone:  and  the  sanctity  of  my 
reputation  make  them  receive  my  innuendoes  as  inspired 
remarks.  One  night,  I  complained  of  being  much  worse, 
and  requested  their  early  retiring :  they  would  have  sent 
for  the  physician,  but  I  forbad  it,  telling  them  I  was 
beyond  a  physician's  cure :  kissing  them  all,  and  pro- 
nouncing over  them  a  solemn  blessing,  I  dismissed  them. 
As  soon  as  it  was  dark,  I  threw  off  my  nun's  attire,  leaving 
it  in  my  bed,  as  if  I  had  slipped  out  of  it ;  and  as  the 
windows  of  my  apartment,  which  looked  into  the  convent 
garden,  were  not  barred,  unclothed  as  I  was  I  dropped 
down,  and  reached  the  ground  in  safety.  I  took  the  pre- 
caution, when  I  was  outside,  to  shut  the  window,  that  my 
having  escaped  should  not  enter  their  ideas,  and  climbing  a 
tree  which  overhung  the  wall  of  the  garden,  dropped  from 
a  bough  on  the  other  side,  and  found  myself  at  liberty.  As 
I  knew  that  the  farther  I  was  from  the  nunnery,  the  less 
chance  I  had  of  being  supposed  an  impostor,  I  gained  the 


jo8  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

high  road,  and  ran  as  fast  as  I  could  in  the  direction 
from  Marseilles  to  Toulouse. 

I  had  proceeded  several  miles  without  encountering  any 
body  at  that  still  hour  of  the  night,  occasionally  alarmed 
at  the  barking  of  some  snarling  cur,  as  I  passed  through 
the  small  villages  in  my  route, — when,  worn  out  with 
fatigue  and  cold,  I  sat  down  under  a  hedge  to  screen 
myself  from  the  cold  "  mistral "  which  blew.  As  the  wind 
lulled,  I  heard  sounds  of  voices  in  lamentation,  which 
appeared  to  proceed  from  the  road  at  a  short  distance.  I 
rose,  and  continued  my  route,  when  I  stumbled  over  the 
body  of  a  man.  I  examined  him  by  the  faint  light  that 
was  emitted  from  the  stars.  He  was  quite  dead  ;  and  it 
immediately  occurred  to  me  that  a  robbery  had  been  com- 
mitted, and  the  lamentations  which  I  had  heard  proceeded 
from  those  who  had  escaped  with  their  lives.  The  cloak 
of  the  dead  man  was  lying  underneath  him;  it  was  a 
capote,  such  as  are  worn  by  officers.  I  unclasped  it  from 
his  neck,  round  which  it  was  fastened  with  two  bear's-paws 
chased  in  silver,  and,  wrapping  it  round  my  benumbed 
limbs,  proceeded  further  on  to  where  I  now  occasionally 
heard  voices  much  plainer  than  before.  I  again  fell  in 
with  two  more  prostrate  bodies,  and,  as  the  day  had  now 
begun  to  break,  perceived  that  they  were  clothed  like 
people  of  low  condition.  Passing  my  hand  over  their 
faces,  I  felt  that  they  were  quite  dead  and  stiff.  Afraid 
that  if  found  close  to  the  spot,  and  unable  to  give  any 
account  of  myself,  I  should  be  accused  of  murder,  I 
thought  of  immediate  flight ;  but  the  plaintive  voice  of  a 
woman  met  my  ears,  and  it  was  an  appeal  that  I  could  not 
resist.  I  proceeded  a  few  yards  further,  and  perceived  a 
carriage,  the  horses  of  which  lay  dead  in  their  traces,  with 
the  driver  beside  them.  To  the  hind  wheels  were  secured 
with  ropes  an  elderly  man  and  a  young  woman. 

"  God  be  praised,  my  dear  father,  help  is  at  hand  !  '* 
said  the  young  woman,  as  I  approached;  and  as  I  came 
close  to  them,  she  cried  out,  "Oh,  I  know  him  by  his 
cloak ;  it's  the  gentleman  who  defended  us  so  gallantly. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  109 

and  whom  we  supposed  to  have  been  killed.  Are  you 
much  hurt,  sir  ?  " 

Aware  that  I  had  better  be  any  body  than  myself,  with 
my  usual  invention  and  presence  of  mind  I  replied,  "  Not 
much,  madam,  thanks  be  to  heaven !  I  was  stunned,  and 
they  left  me  for  dead :  I  am  happy  that  I  am  still  alive,  to 
be  of  service  to  you  : "  and  I  immediately  proceeded  to  cast 
loose  the  ropes  by  which  the  father  and  daughter  (as  by 
their  conversation  they  appeared  to  be)  had  been  confined 
to  the  wheels.  The  robbers  had  stripped  them  both  nearly 
to  the  skin,  and  they  were  so  numbed  with  the  cold  that 
they  could  scarcely  stand  when  they  were  unbound, — the 
poor  girl  especially,  who  shivered  as  if  suffering  under  a 
tertian  ague.  I  proposed  that  they  should  enter  the  car- 
riage as  the  best  shelter  they  could  receive  from  the  bitter 
keen  wind  which  blew,  and  they  agreed  to  the  prudence  of 
my  suggestion. 

"  If  I  am  not  requesting  too  great  a  favour,  sir,"  said  the 
old  gentleman,  "  I  wish  you  would  lend  my  poor  daughter 
that  cloak,  for  she  is  perishing  with  the  cold." 

"I  will  with  pleasure,  sir,  as  soon  as  you  are  both  in 
the  carriage,"  replied  I ;  for  I  had  made  up  my  mind  how 
to  proceed.  I  assisted  them  in,  and,  shutting  the  door, 
slipped  off  the  cloak  and  put  it  in  at  the  window,  saying, 
*'  Believe  me,  madam,  I  should  have  offered  it  to  you 
before,  but  the  fact  is,  the  rascals  served  me,  as  I  lay 
stunned,  in  the  same  manner  as  they  have  you,  and  I  must 
now  go  in  search  of  something  to  cover  myself."  I  then 
went  off  at  a  quick  pace,  hearing  the  young  woman  ex- 
claim, "  Oh,  my  father,  he  has  stripped  himself  to  cover 
me!" 

I  immediately  returned  to  the  body  of  the  gentleman 
whose  cloak  I  had  borrowed,  and  for  whom  I  had  no  doubt 
that  I  had  been  mistaken.  I  stripped  off  all  the  clothes 
from  his  rigid  limbs,  and  put  them  on  :  they  fitted  me 
exactly,  and,  what  was  more  fortunate,  were  not  stained 
with  blood,  as  he  had  received  his  death-wound  from  a 
bullet  in  the  brain.     I  then  dragged  the  body  to  the  other 


no  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

side  of  the  hedge,  where  I  threw  it  into  a  ditch,  and 
covered  it  with  long  grass,  that  it  might  not  be  discovered. 
Daylight  had  made  its  appearance  before  I  had  completed 
my  toilet ;  and  when  I  came  back  to  the  carriage,  the  old 
gentleman  was  loud  in  his  thanks.  I  told  him  that  in 
returning  to  strip  one  of  the  other  bodies  I  had  found  my 
own  clothes  in  a  bundle,  which  the  robbers  had  left  in 
their  haste  to  escape  from  pursuit. 

The  young  lady  said  nothing,  but  sat  shrouded  up  in  the 
cloak,  in  one  corner  of  the  carriage.  I  now  entered  into 
conversation  with  the  old  gentleman,  who  explained  to  me 
how  the  attack  began,  before  I  had  come  to  their  assistance  : 
and  from  the  information  I  received  from  him,  I  was  enabled 
to  form  a  very  good  idea  of  the  story  that  I  was  to  tell.  I 
found  that  I  had  been  on  horseback  with  my  servant,  when 
I  rode  to  their  assistance  ;  that  we  had  been  both  supposed 
to  be  killed,  and  that  we  were  about  five  miles  from  any 
post  town. 

By  this  time  it  was  broad  daylight,  and  I  made  another 
discovery,  which  was,  that  I  was  wearing  an  officer's  un- 
dress. Anxious  to  gratify  my  curiosity  by  a  sight  of  the 
young  lady,  I  turned  to  her,  as  she  lay  muffled  up  in  the 
cloak,  and  expressed  a  hope  that  she  did  not  feel  cold. 
She  put  her  head  out,  and  answered  in  the  negative  with 
such  a  sweet  smile,  upon  such  a  sweet  face  as  I  never  had 
before  witnessed.  I  looked  at  her  as  if  transfixed,  and  did 
not  take  my  eyes  off  until  she  blushed,  and  again  sank  back 
as  before. 

This  brought  me  to  my  recollection ;  I  offered  to  go  for 
assistance,  and  my  services  were  thankfully  accepted.  I 
passed  by  the  men  who  had  been  killed,  as  I  went  on  my 
mission  ;  one  was  habited  in  a  livery  similar  to  the  coach- 
man who  lay  dead  by  his  horses  ;  the  other  was  in:  that  of 
a  groom,  and  I  took  it  for  granted  that  he  had  been  my 
servant.  I  searched  in  his  pockets  for  information,  and, 
collecting  the  contents,  commenced  reading  them  as  I 
walked  along. 

By  his  memoranda  I  found  out  that  I  had  come  from 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  iii 

Aix.  By  letters  and  papers  in  my  own  pockets  I  ascer- 
tained who  I  was,  who  my  father  was,  to  what  regiment  I 
belonged,  that  I  was  on  leave  of  absence,  and  that  I  had 
a  brother,  whose  affectionate  letter  I  read  carefully  for 
further  information.  I  had  not  time  to  count  a  considerable 
sum  of  money,  which  was  in  my  purse,  before  I  fell  in  with 
a  countryman,  who  was  leading  his  horses  to  the  plough. 
Briefly  narrating  the  circumstances,  I  offered  him  a  hand- 
some remuneration,  if  he  would  mount  one  of  his  horses, 
and  procure  immediate  assistance.  Having  seen  him  off 
in  a  hand-gallop,  I  returned  to  the  carriage  to  try  if  it  were 
possible  to  have  one  more  view  of  that  face  which  had  so 
enchanted  me.  I  stated  the  good  fortune  I  had  met  with, 
and  my  hopes  of  a  speedy  deliverance  from  their  trouble. 
I  answered  the  old  gentleman's  inquiry  of  the  name  and 
condition  of  the  person  to  whom  he  and  his  daughter  had 
been  so  much  indebted,  talked  of  my  father  the  Compte 
de  Rouille,  of  my  regiment,  and  then  requested  a  similar 
confidence. 

He  was  le  Marquis  de  Tonseca,  and  the  young  lady 
was  his  daughter ;  they  were  proceeding  to  their  chateau 
about  seven  miles  distant,  where  he  hoped  I  would 
accompany  them,  and  allow  him  an  opportunity  of 
showing  his  gratitude. 

I  hesitated,  talked  of  engagements — not  that  I  intended 
to  refuse  the  invitation,  but  because  the  young  lady  had 
not  joined  in  the  request.  My  plan  had  the  desired  effect ; 
again  the  lovely  face  appeared  from  under  the  cloak,  and 
the  sweetest  voice  in  the  world  expressed  a  wish  that  I 
would  not  refuse  her  father's  invitation.  I  blushed,  and 
stammered  consent.  Pleased  at  her  victory,  she  smiled, 
and  again  was  folded  up  in  the  cloak,  which  I  could  have 
torn  to  pieces  for  its  envious  concealment. 

Assistance  had  now  arrived ;  a  crowd  of  people,  headed 
by  an  officer  to  take  the  proces  verbal,  and  two  pair  of 
post-horses  came  up ;  the  depositions  of  the  Marquis  and 
myself  were  briefly  taken;  his  as  to  what  he  had  seen, 
and  mine  "to   the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  belief." 


112  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

The  papers  were  signed,  the  dead  bodies  were  carried 
oiF,  the  horses  put  to,  and,  at  the  request  of  the  Marquis, 
I  took  my  seat  in  the  carriage  between  him  and  his 
daughter,  and  we  proceeded  to  the  chateau. 

In  two  hours  we  arrived  at  a  magnificent  pile,  which 
bespoke  the  wealth  and  ancestry  of  the  owner,  and  I  had 
the  pleasure  of  carrying  in  my  arms,  up  the  long  flight 
of  steps  by  which  we  ascended  to  the  entrance,  the 
beautiful  girl,  mulBed  up  as  she  was  in  the  cloak.  As 
soon  as  I  had  laid  her  down  upon  a  sofa,  I  left  her  to 
the  care  of  the  females  who  were  in  attendance  and 
quitted  the  room.  The  Marquis  had  retired  to  his  own 
apartment,  to  supply  the  deficiencies  in  his  attire,  and  for 
a  short  time  I  was  left  alone  to  my  own  reflections.  What 
is  to  be  the  result  of  all  this  ?  thought  I.  Is  there  to  be 
no  end  of  my  assumption  of  the  clothes  and  titles  of  other 
people, — this  continual  transmigration  before  death  ?  Yet 
how  much  more  has  it  depended  upon  circumstances  than 
upon  myself ! 

After  much  reflection,  I  determined  upon  letting  things 
take  their  own  course,  trusting  to  my  own  ready  invention 
and  good  fortune  for  the  issue.  I  felt  it  to  be  impossible 
to  tear  myself  from  the  sweet  creature  whose  personal 
charms  had  already  fascinated  me,  and  I  vowed  that  there 
was  no  risk,  no  danger,  that  I  would  not  brave  to  obtain 
her  love. 

In  an  hour  we  met  at  the  breakfast-table,  and  I  was 
more  than  ever  enchanted ; — but  I  will  not  detain  your 
highness  by  dwelling  too  long  upon  the  subject. 

"No,  don't,  yaha  bibi,  my  friend,"  said  the  pacha, 
yawning,  "  your  story  gets  very  dry  already.  We'll 
suppose  the  cypress  waist,  the  stag's  eyes,  and  full  moon 
of  her  face.  We  Mussulmans  don't  talk  so  much  about 
women ;  but  I  suppose  as  you  were  a  Frenchman,  and 
very  young  then,  you  knew  no  better.  Why  you  talk 
of  women  as  if  they  had  souls  !  "  The  renegade  did  not 
think  it  advisable  to  express  his  opinion  in  contradiction 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  113 

to  that  of  his  highness,  and  the  assertions  of  the  prophet. 
*'  It  cannot  be  said  that  I  behaved  to  them  as  if  they  had," 
replied  he ;  "  and  before  I  changed  my  religion,  I  was 
often  smitten  with  remorse  for  my  selfish  and  unfeeling 
conduct  towards  Marie ;  but  all  that  is  past,  I  am  now 
a  Turk;"  and  the  renegade  passed  his  hand  over  his 
brow ;  for  some  long-smothered  feelings  of  virtue  had 
been  conjured  up  by  remorse,  as  he  was  reminded  of  the 
career  of  guilt  which  he  had  run  through,  and  which  he 
had  climaxed  by  the  denial  of  his  Redeemer.  After  a 
short  pause  he  continued — 

For  a  week  I  remained  in  the  society  of  the  Marquis 
and  his  daughter,  daily  ingratiating  myself  more  and 
more  with  both.  I  had  not  declared  my  passion  to  his 
daughter,  for  there  was  something  that  irresistibly  pre- 
vented me ;  yet  I  knew  that  I  was  not  viewed  with 
indifference.  Our  party  was  then  increased  by  the 
appearance  of  the  Bishop  of  Toulouse,  the  brother  of 
the  Marquis,  who  came  to  congratulate  him  and  his 
niece  upon  their  fortunate  escape.  I  was  presented  as 
the  gentleman  who  had  so  materially  assisted.  The 
bishop  stared  at  me  with  surprise. 

"It  is  strange,"  observed  he,  "that  a  body  has  been 
found  in  a  ditch,  near  to  where  the  robbery  occurred, 
and  has  been  recognised  to  be  that  of  the  very  young 
officer  to  whom  you  now  introduce  me.  How  can  this 
be?" 

The  marquis  and  his  daughter  appeared  astonished  at 
the  intelligence  (and  in  truth  so  was  I),  but  it  was  only 
for  a  second.  "  How  say  you,  sir,"  exclaimed  I,  with 
trepidation,  "  a  body  recognised  as  the  son  of  the  Comte 
de  Rouille  ?  My  poor,  poor  brother !  my  dear  Victor, 
have  you  then  perished  ?  what  injustice  have  I  done 
you  ! "  Throwing  myself  on  the  fauteuil,  I  covered  my 
face  with  my  handkerchief,  as  if  overpowered  with  grief; 
but,  in  reality,  I  was  reflecting  what  I  should  say  next. 

**  Your  brother  !  "  exclaimed  the  Marquis  in  surprise. 

P  H 


114  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  Yes,  Marquis,  my  brother.  I  will  now  state  the 
circumstances  which  induced  me  to  conceal  from  you  that 
he  was  in  my  company  at  the  time  of  the  attack.  When 
I  galloped  to  your  assistance,  I  was  followed  by  my 
brother,  who  was  riding  with  me  to  Marseilles,  and  of 
whom  you  recollect  I  have  spoken ;  but  after  the  first 
discharge  of  firearms  I  found  that  he  was  not  at  my  side, 
and  I  imagined  that  he  had  deserted  me  from  fear.  I 
could  not  bear  that  such  a  disgrace  upon  the  family  should 
be  known,  and  I  therefore  made  no  mention  of  him  when 
I  came  back.  Little  did  I  think,  that  while  I  was  accusing 
him  in  my  heart  of  cowardice,  he  was  dead,  and  his  heart's 
blood  had  been  poured  out  in  my  defence.  Victor,  my 
dear  Victor ! "  continued  I,  "  how  great  has  been  my 
injustice,  and  what  can  repay  me  for  your  loss  ? "  and 
I  threw  myself  down  on  the  sofa,  as  if  frantic  with 
grief. 

**  Huckaback,"  observed  the  pacha,  "  it  appears  to  me 
that  in  your  younger  days  you  were  a  great  scoundrel." 

"  I  acknowledge  it,"  replied  the  renegade ;  "  but,  in 
extenuation,  your  highness  must  call  to  mind  that  at  that 
time  I  was  a  Christian." 

"  By  the  beard  of  the  prophet,  that  is  well  said,  and 
very  true  !  "  replied  the  pacha. 

The  Marquis  and  his  brother  were  shocked  at  having 
so  unintentionally  plunged  me  into  affliction.  They 
offered  consolation,  but  finding  their  endeavours  fruitless, 
quitted  the  room,  thinking  it  advisable  to  leave  me  to 
myself.  Cerise,  for  that  was  the  name  of  the  daughter, 
remained,  and  after  a  short  pause  came  to  me,  and  in  her 
silvery  voice,  as  she  laid  her  hand  upon  my  shoulder, 
addressed  me  : 

"Console  yourself,  my  dear  Felix;"  but  I  made  no 
answer.  "  How  unhappy  I  am  !  "  said  she :  "  it  was  in 
my  defence  that  he  lost  his  life :  it  was  to  your  courage 
that  I  am  indebted  for  my  preservation : — he  is  dead,  and 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  115 

you  are  miserable.  Can  nothing  repay  you  for  the  loss 
of  your  brother  ? — Nothing,  Felix  ?  " 

I  raised  my  head ;  her  eyes  were  swimming  with  tears, 
and  beaming  with  love.  As  I  resumed  my  seat  upon 
the  sofa,  I  drew  her  gently  towards  me.  She  offered 
no  resistance,  and  in  a  moment  she  had  sunk  down  by 
my  side,  as  my  arms  entwined  her  beauteous  form. 

"  Yes,"  murmured  I,  **  Cerise,  I  am  repaid."  Smiling 
through  her  blushes,  she  disengaged  herself,  and  rose  to 
depart.  Returning  once  more  at  my  request,  I  imprinted 
a  kiss  upon  her  brow :  she  waved  her  hand,  and  hastened 
out  of  the  room. 

"That  was  a  very  nice  girl,  by  your  description," 
interrupted  the  pacha:  "pray  what  might  you  pay  for 
snch  a  girl  in  your  country  ?  " 

"  She  was  beyond  all  price,"  replied  the  renegade, 
with  an  absent  air,  as  if  communing  with  times  past. 
"  Love  is  not  to  be  bought.  The  Moslem  purchases 
the  slave  and  blind  submission  to  his  will,  but  he  makes 
not  love." 

"No,  he  buys  it  ready  made,"  replied  the  pacha;  "  and 
I  must  say  I  wish  you  had  done  the  same  :  for,  with  all 
this  love  making,  you  get  on  but  slowly  with  your 
story.     Proceed." 

I  remained  another  week,  when  the  bishop,  who  had 
not  yet  taken  his  departure,  one  morning  drove  over  to 
Marseilles,  and  returned  to  dinner.  "  I  was  sent  for," 
observed  he,  as  we  sat  down  to  table,  "  to  consult  as  to 
the  propriety  of  requesting  from  the  Pope  the  canonisation 
of  the  Soeur  Eustasie,  of  whom  you  have  heard  so  much, 
and  whose  disappearance  has  been  attributed  to  miraculous 
agency  :  but  during  our  consultation,  a  piece  of  informa- 
tion was  sent  in,  which  has  very  much  changed  the 
opinion  of  parties  as  to  her  reputed  sanctity.  It  appears 
that  near  the  spot  where  the  vessel  was  wrecked  they 
have  discovered  the  body  of  a  woman  dressed  in  man's 


ii6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

clothes ;  and  it  is  now  supposed  that  some  miscreant 
has  personified  her  at  the  Convent,  and  has  subsequently- 
escaped.  Tlie  officers  of  justice  are  making  the  strictest 
search,  and  if  the  individual  is  found,  he  will  be  sent  to 
Rome  to  be  disposed  of  by  the  Inquisition." 

As  your  highness  may  imagine,  this  was  not  very 
agreeable  news  ;  I  almost  started  from  my  chair  when  I 
heard  it  ;  but  I  had  sufficient  mastery  over  myself  to 
conceal  my  feelings,  although  every  morsel  that  I  put 
into  my  mouth  nearly  choked  me. 

But  before  dinner  was  over  the  plot  thickened ;  a 
letter  was  brought  to  the  Marquis  from  my  adopted 
father  the  Comte  de  Rouille  stating  that  such  contra- 
dictory reports  had  been  received,  that  he  could  not 
ascertain  the  truth.  From  one  he  heard  that  his  eldest 
son  was  alive,  and  at  the  chateau  •,  from  others  that  he 
had  been  murdered :  others  congratulated  him  in  their 
letters  upon  the  escape  of  one  of  his  sons.  He  requested 
the  Marquis  to  inform  him  of  the  real  state  of  affairs,  and 
to  let  him  know  by  the  bearer  whether  his  eldest  son 
was  with  him,  or  whether  he  had  met  with  the  un- 
fortunate death  that  was  reported  ;  and  as  his  youngest 
son  was  at  home,  and  had  been  there  for  some  months, 
he  could  not  but  imagine,  as  both  of  them  were  men- 
tioned in  the  reports,  that  there  might  be  some  imposture 
in  the  business. 

I  perceived  by  the  change  of  countenance  in  the 
Marquis  that  affairs  were  not  going  well,  and  was  to  a 
certain  degree  prepared,  when  he  gravely  handed  the 
letter  to  the  bishop,  who,  having  read  it,  passed  it  over 
to  me,  saying,  with  a  stern  look,  "  This  concerns  you, 
sir."  I  read  it  with  a  composed  countenance,  and,  re- 
turning it  to  the  Marquis,  I  observed  with  a  sigh,  "  There 
is  no  kindness  in  such  deception,  the  blow  will  only  fall 
heavier  upon  the  old  man  when  it  does  come.  You  are 
aware,  sir,  I  mentioned  it  to  you  (or  rather,  I  believe, 
it  was  to  Mademoiselle  Cerise),  that  my  father  is  blind, 
and  has  been  so  for  the  last  two  years.     They  have  been 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  117 

afraid  to  tell  him  the  truth,  and  have  made  him  believe 
that  Victor  is  there.  You  must  know,  sir,  that  it  was 
clandestinely  that  my  dear  brother  quitted  his  father's 
house  to  accompany  me.  Unhappy  hour  when  I  yielded 
to  his  entreaties  !  But,  Monsieur  le  Marquis,  I  perceive 
it  is  now  imperative  that  I  should  go  to  my  father  ;  he 
will  need  the  assurance  of  my  existence  to  support  him 
in  his  grief.  I  will  therefore,  with  your  permission, 
write  a  few  lines  by  the  bearer  of  this  communication, 
and  to-morrow  morning  at  daylight  must  unwillingly  tear 
myself  away  from  your  charming  society." 

The  cool  and  confident  air  with  which  I  answered, 
removed  suspicion ;  and  having  written  a  few  lines  to 
the  Comte,  and  requested  from  the  Marquis  the  loan  of 
his  seal,  I  applied  the  wax,  and  desired  the  servant  to 
deliver  it  as  an  answer  to  the  messenger,  whom  I  was 
not  sorry  to  see  galloping  by  the  window.  "  Oh,"  cried 
I,  "  'tis  Pierre  :  had  I  known  that,  I  should  have  asked 
him  some  questions." 

This  well-timed  exclamation  of  mine,  I  perceived,  did 
not  fail  to  have  its  weight.  We  again  sat  down  to  table, 
and  I  was  treated  with  more  than  usual  kindness  by  the 
Marquis  and  his  brother,  as  if  in  compensation  for  their 
having,  for  a  moment,  harboured  a  suspicion  of  my 
honesty.  But  I  was  ill  at  ease,  and  I  felt  that  I  never 
had  acted  with  more  prudence  than  in  proposing  my  early 
departure. 

In  the  evening  I  was  alone  with  Cerise.  Since  the 
news  of  my  brother's  death,  and  the  scene  that  followed, 
we  had  sworn  unalterable  love  j  and  in  that  instance  only 
was  I  sincere.  I  loved  her  to  desperation,  and  I  doat  on 
her  memory  now,  though  years  have  rolled  away,  and 
she  has  long  been  mingled  with  the  dead.  Yes,  Cerise, 
if  from  the  regions  of  bliss,  where  thy  pure  spirit 
dwells,  thou  canst  look  down  upon  a  wretch  so  loaded 
with  guilt  as  I  am,  oh,  turn  not  away  with  horror,  but 
view  with  pity  one  who  loved  as  fondly  as  man 
could    love,  and    hereafter    will    care    little    for   all    that 


ii8  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

Paradise  can  offer,  if  thy  fair   spirit   must   not   bid  him 
welcome  ! 

"I  wish,  Huckaback,"  observed  the  pacha,  angrily, 
"  that  you  would  go  on  with  your  story  :  you  are  talking 
to  a  dead  woman,  instead  of  a  live  pacha." 

"  I  entreat  your  pardon,"  replied  the  renegade ;  "  but 
to  amuse  your  highness,  I  have  entered  into  scenes  which 
long  have  been  dismissed  from  my  memory,  and  the 
feelings  attending  them  will  rise  up,  and  cannot  well  be 
checked.     I  will  be  more  careful  as  I  proceed." 

Cerise  was  melancholy  at  the  idea  of  my  departure. 
I  kissed  the  tears  away,  and  the  time  flew  rapidly.  I 
persuaded  her  to  allow  me  an  interview  after  the  family 
had  retired,  as  I  had  much  to  say  to  her. 

**  Well,  well,  we'll  suppose  all  that,"  observed  the 
pacha,  impatiently :  **  now  go  on ;  you  remember  you 
were  to  set  off  in  the  morning." 

"  Yes,  yes,  your  highness,"  replied  the  renegade,  some- 
what displeased. 

And  I  did  set  off  in  the  morning  upon  one  of  the 
Marquis's  horses,  and  rode  as  hard  as  I  could  to  Toulon. 
I  determined  again  to  try  my  fortune  at  sea,  as  I  was 
afraid  that  I  should  be  discovered  if  I  remained  on  shore. 
I  purchased  a  small  venture  with  the  money  in  my  purse, 
and  having  made  my  agreement  with  the  captain  of  a  vessel 
bound  to  St  Domingo,  exchanged  my  dress  for  a  jacket 
and  trousers,  and  was  again  at  the  mercy  of  the  waves. 

"  Such,  your  highness,  is  the  history  of  my  First 
Voyage,  and  the  incidents  which  resulted  from  it." 

"  Well,"  said  the  pacha,  rising,  "  there  was  too  much 
love  and  too  little  sea  in  it ;  but,  I  suppose,  if  you  had 
left  the  first  out  it  would  not  have  been  so  long. 
Mustapha,  give  him  five  pieces  of  gold,  and  we  will  have 
his  Second  Voyage  to-morrow." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  119 

As  soon  as  the  pacha  had  retired,  the  renegade  growled 
out,  "  If  I  am  to  tell  any  more  stories,  I  must  not  be 
checked  and  dictated  to.  I  could  have  talked  for  an  hour 
after  I  had  met  Cerise,  if  I  had  not  been  interrupted : 
as  it  was,  I  cut  the  matter  short." 

"  But,  Selim,"  replied  Mustapha,  "  the  pacha  is  not 
fond  of  these  sort  of  adventures  ;  he  likes  something 
much  more  marvellous.  Could  you  not  embellish  a 
little  ?  " 

"  How  do  you  mean  ?  " 

"  Holy  prophet !  what  do  I  mean  ! — Why,  tell  a  few 
lies, — not  adhere  quite  so  much  to  matter  of  fact." 

**  Adhere  to  matter  of  fact,  vizier  ! — why,  I  have  not 
stated  a  single  fact  yet  ! " 

"  What  !  is  not  all  this  true  ?  " 

"  Not  one  word  of  it,  as  I  hope  to  go  to  heaven  !  " 

"  Bismillah  ! — what,  not  about  Marie  and  the  Convent — 
and  Cerise  ? " 

"  All  lies  from  beginning  to  end." 

"  And  were  you  never  a  barber  ? " 

"Never  in  my  life." 

"Then  why  did  you  make  such  long  apostrophes  to 
the  dead  Cerise,  when  you  observed  that  the  pacha  was 
impatient." 

"  Merely  because  I  was  at  fault,  vizier,  and  wished  to 
gain  time,  to  consider  what  I  should  say  next." 

"  Selim,"  replied  Mustapha,  "  you  have  great  talent ; 
but  mind  that  your  next  voyage  is  more  wonderful ;  I  pre- 
sume it  will  make  no  difference  to  you." 

"  None  whatever  ;  but  the  pacha  is  not  a  man  of  taste. 
Now  give  me  my  five  pieces,  and  FU  be  oif :  I'm  choked 
with  thirst,  and  shall  not  be  comfortable  till  I  have  drunk 
at  least  a  gallon  of  wine." 

"  Holy  prophet !  what  a  Turk  ! "  exclaimed  the  vizier, 
lifting  up  his  hands.  "  Here  is  your  money,  Kafir  ; — don't 
forget  to  be  here  to-morrow." 

*'  Never  fear  me,  vizier  ;  your  slave  lives  but  to  obey 
you,  as  we  Turks  say," 


I20  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  "We  Turks  !  "  muttered  the  vizier,  as  he  cast  his  eyes 
upon  the  retiring  figure  of  the  renegade.  "  Well  of  all  the 
scoundrels — "  "  Well,"  muttered  the  renegade,  who  was 
now  out  of  hearing,  **of  all  the  scoundrels — "  Whom 
they  were  referring  to  in  their  separate  soliloquies  must 
be  left  to  the  reader's  imagination  ;  for  caution  prevented 
either  of  the  parties  from  giving  vent  to  the  remainder  of 
their  thoughts. 


Chapter  VI 

"  Mashallah  !  How  wonderful  is  God !  Did  the  Caliph 
Haroun  ever  hear  such  stories?"  observed  the  pacha,' 
taking  the  pipe  from  his  mouth,  as  he  was  indulging  in 
com^pany  with  Mustapha :  '^  that  infidel  tells  strange 
histories  of  strange  countries — What  will  his  mouth  open 
to  next  ? " 

"  The  Shaitan  Bacheh,  for  a  son  of  the  devil  he  still  is, 
although  he  wears  the  turban  and  bows  to  Allah,  will 
prove  a  treasury  of  amusement  to  your  sublime  highness," 
replied  Mustapha :  "  but  what  are  the  words  of  the  sage  ? 
— *  If  thou  hast  gold  in  thy  hazneh,  keep  it  locked  and 
add  thereto  ;  thus  shalt  thou  become  rich.'  " 

"  They  are  the  words  of  wisdom,"  replied  the  pacha. 

"Then  may  I  advise  your  highness  to  walk  out  this 
evening  in  search  of  more,  and  not  exhaust  that  which  is  in 
your  possession  ? " 

"  Wallah  Thaib  !  It  is  well  said  !  "  answered  the  pacha, 
rising  from  his  musnud  or  carpet  of  state  :  "  the  moon  is 
up — when  all  is  ready  we  will  proceed." 

In  a  quarter  of  an  hour  the  pacha,  attended  by  Mustapha 
and  the  armed  slaves  as  before,  again  set  out  upon  their 
perambulations  through  the  city  of  Cairo. 

They  had  not  walked  more  than  half-an-hour  when  they 
observed  two  men  sitting  at  the  door  of  a  fruit-shop,  at 
high   words   with   each   other.     The  pacha   held   up  his 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  121 

finger  to  Mustapha,  as  a  sign  to  stop,  that  he  might  over- 
hear their  discourse. 

"  I  tell  you,  Ali,  that  it  is  impossible  to  hear  those  long 
stories  of  yours  without  losing  one's  temper." 

"  Long  stories  !  "  whispered  the  pacha  to  Mustapha  with 
delight :  "  the  very  thing  ! — Shukur  Allah !  Thanks  be  to 
God !  " 

**  And  I  tell  you  in  reply,  Hussan,  that  yours  are  ten 
times  worse.  You  never  have  spoken  for  ten  minutes, 
without  my  feeling  an  inclination  to  salute  your  mouth  with 
the  heel  of  my  slipper.  I  wish  there  was  any  one  who 
would  hear  us  both  and  decide  the  point." 

"  That  I  will,"  said  the  pacha,  going  up  to  them  :  "to- 
morrow I  will  hear  both  your  stories,  and  decide  upon  the 
merits  of  each." 

**  And  who  are  you  ? "  observed  one  of  the  men,  with 
surprise. 

"His  highness  the  pacha,"  replied  Mustapha,  coming 
forward.  Both  the  men  prostrated  themselves,  while  the 
pacha  directed  Mustapha  that  they  should  be  brought 
before  him  on  the  following  day :  and  the  vizier,  having 
given  them  in  charge  to  the  slaves  who  had  followed  at  a 
distance,  returned  home  with  the  pacha  j  who  was  delighted 
at  the  rich  harvest  which  he  expected  to  reap  from  the  two 
people  who  accused  each  other  of  telling  such  long  stories. 

When  the  divan  of  the  following  day  had  closed,  the 
two  men  were  summoned  into  the  presence  of  the  pacha. 

"  I  shall  now  decide  upon  the  merits  of  your  stories," 
observed  he.  "  Sit  down  there  both  of  you,  and  agree 
between  yourselves  which  of  you  will  begin." 

"  May  it  please  your  highness,  you  will  never  be  able  to 
listen  to  this  man  Ali,"  observed  Hussan  :  "  you  had  better 
send  him  away." 

"  Allah  preserve  your  highness  from  all  evil,"  replied 
Ali,  "  but  more  especially  from  the  talking  of  Hussan, 
which  is  as  oppressive  as  the  hot  wind  of  the  desert." 

"  I  have  not  sent  for  you  to  hear  you  dispute  in  my 
presence,  but  to  hear  your  stories.     Ali,  do  you  begin." 


122  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  I  do  assure  your  highness,"  interrupted  Hussan,  "  that 
you  will  not  listen  to  him  three  minutes." 

**I  do  assure  you,"  retorted  the  pacha,  "  that  if  you  say 
one  word  more,  until  you  are  ordered,  you  will  be  re- 
warded with  the  bastinado  for  your  trouble.  Ali,  begin 
your  story." 

"Well,  your  highness,  it  was  about  thirty  years  ago, 
you  knoiv,  that  I  was  a  little  boy,  you  hnonvP 

Here  Hussan  lifted  up  his  hands,  and  smiled. 

"  Well,  your  highness,  you  know " 

"  I  don't  know,  Ali ;  how  can  I  know  until  you  tell  me," 
observed  the  pacha. 

**  Well,  then,  your  highness  must  know  that  ever  since 
I  was  born  I  have  lived  in  the  same  street  where  your 
highness  saw  us  seated  last  night,  and  thirty  years,  you  knonv, 
is  a  long  period  in  a  man's  life.  My  father  was  a  gardener, 
and  people  of  his  condition,  you  knoiv,  are  obliged  to  get  up 
early,  that  they  may  be  in  time  for  the  market,  where,  you 
know,  they  bring  their  vegetables  for  sale." 

"  This  is  all  very  true,  I  dare  say,"  observed  the  pacha  \ 
"  but  you  will  oblige  me  by  leaving  out  all  those  you 
knows,  which  I  agree  with  your  comrade  Hussan  to  be  very 
tedious." 

"That's  what  I  have  already  told  him,  your  highness— 
*  Ali,'  says  /,  *  if  you  can  only  leave  out  your  you  knows^ 
says  /,  *  your  story  might  be  amusing,  but,'  says  I " 

"  Silence  with  your  says  i'j-,"  observed  the  pacha ;  "  have 
you  forgotten  the  bastinado  ?  there  seems  to  be  a  pair  of 
you.  Ali,  go  on  with  the  story  and  remember  my  injunc-- 
tion  ;  the  felek  and  ferashes  are  at  hand." 

"  Well,  your  highness,  one  morning  he  rose  earlier  than 
usual,  as  he  was  anxious  to  be  the  first  in  the  market  with 
some  onions,  which,  you  know,  are  very  plentiful ;  and  having 
laden  his  ass,  he  set  off,  at  a  good  round  pace,  for  the  city. 
There,  you  know,  he  arrived  at  the  market-place  a  little  after 
the  day  had  dawned,  when,  you  know, " 

"Did  you  not  receive  my  orders  to  leave  out  you  know? 
Am  I  to  be  obeyed  or  not  ?     Now  go  on,  and  if  you  offend 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  123 

again,  you  shall  have  the  bastinado  till  your  nails   drop 
ofF." 

"  I  shall  observe  your  highness's  wishes,"  replied  Ali. — 
*<  A  little  after  the  day  had  dawned,  you — ,  no,  he,  I  mean, 
observed  an  old  woman  sitting  near  one  of  the  fruit-stalls, 
with  her  head  covered  up  in  an  old  dark-blue  capote  j  and 
as  he  passed  by,  you — she  I  mean,  held  out  one  of  her 
fingers,  and  said,  '■  Ali  Baba,'  for  that  was  my  father's 
name,  '  Listen  to  good  advice  ;  leave  your  laden  beast,  and 
follow  me.'  Now  my  father,  you  knoiu,  not  being  inclined 
to  pay  any  attention  to  such  an  old  woman,  you  knowy 
replied,  you  know, " 

"  Holy  Allah  !  "  exclaimed  the  pacha  in  a  rage  to  Mus- 
tapha,  "  what  does  this  man  deserve  ?  " 

"  The  punishment  due  to  those  who  dare  to  disobey 
your  highness's  commands." 

**  And  he  shall  have  it :  take  him  out ;  give  him  one 
hundred  blows  of  the  bastinado  j  put  him  on  an  ass  with 
his  face  turned  towards  the  tail ;  and  let  the  officer  who 
conducts  him  through  the  town  proclaim,  *  Such  is  the 
punishment  awarded  by  the  pacha  to  him  who  presumes 
to  say  that  his  highness  knows,  when  in  fact,  he  knows 
nothing.' " 

The  guards  seized  upon  the  unfortunate  Ali  to  put  in 
execution  the  will  of  the  pacha ;  and  as  he  was  dragged 
away,  Hussan  cried  out,  "  I  told  you  so  j  but  you  would 
not  believe  me." 

"Well,"  replied  Ali,  "I've  one  comfort,  your  story's 
not  told  yet.  His  highness  has  yet  to  decide  which  is  the 
best." 

After  a  few  minutes'  pause,  to  recover  himself  from  the 
ruffling  of  his  temper,  the  pacha  addressed  the  other  man 
— "  Now,  Hussan,  you  will  begin  your  story,  and  observe 
that  I  am  rather  in  an  ill-humour." 

"  How  can  your  highness  be  otherwise,  after  the  annoy- 
ance of  that  bore  Ali  ?     I  said  so  j  *  Ali,'  says  /, " 

"  Go  on  with  your  story,"  repeated  the  pacha  angrily. 

"  It  was  about  two  years  ago,  your  highness,  when  I  was 


124  '^^^  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

sitting  at  the  door  of  the  fruit-shop,  which  your  highness 
might  have  observed  when  you  saw  us  last  night,  that  a 
young  female,  who  seemed  above  the  common  class,  came 
in,  followed  by  a  porter.  *  I  want  some  melons,'  says  she. 
*I  have  very  fine  ones,  so  walk  in,'  says  I:  and  I  handed 
down  from  the  upper  shelf,  where  they  were  placed,  four 
or  five  musk,  and  four  or  five  water-melons. 

"  *  Now,'  says  I,  *  young  woman,  you'll  observe  that 
these  are  much  finer  melons,'  says  /,  *  than  you  usually  can 
procure ;  therefore  the  lowest  price  that  I  can  take,'  says  I, 
'  is '  " 

"Why,  your  says  Ts  are  much  worse  than  Ali's  you 
knows;  leave  them  out,  if  you  please,  and  proceed  with 
your  story,"  cried  the  pacha,  with  increased  ill-humour. 

"  I  will  obey,  your  highness,  if  possible.  I  stated  the 
lowest  price,  and  she  lifted  up  her  veil — *  I  have  an  idea,' 
said  she,  as  she  allowed  me  to  look  upon  one  of  the 
prettiest  faces  in  the  world,  *  that  they  are  to  be  had 
cheaper.' 

**  I  was  so  struck  with  her  beauty,  that  I  was  quite 
speechless.  *  Am  I  not  right  ? '  said  she,  smiling.  *  From 
you,  madam,'  says  7,  '  I  can  take  nothing ;  put  as  many  in 
the  basket  of  your  porter  as  you  please.'  She  thanked 
me,  and  put  into  the  basket  all  that  I  had  handed  down. 

*  Now,'  says  she,  *  I  want  some  dates,  the  best  and  finest 
that  you  have.'  I  handed  some  down  that  would  have  been 
admired  by  the  ladies  of  your  highness's  harem.  '  These, 
madam,'  says  /,  *  are  the  best  dates  that  are  to  be  found  in 
Cairo.'  She  tasted  them,  and  asked  the  price  ;  I  mentioned 
it.  *  They  are  dear,'  replied  she,  *  but  I  must  have  them 
cheaper ; '  and  again  she  lifted  her  veil.     '  Madam,'  says  /, 

*  these  dates  are  much  too  cheap  at  the  price  which  I  have 
mentioned ;  it  really  is  impossible  to  take  one  para  less ; 
observe,  madam,'  says  7,  *  the  beauty  of  them,  feel  the 
weight,  and  taste  them,'  says  /,  *  and  you  must  acknow- 
ledge,' says  7,  *that  they  are  offered  to  you  at  a  price 
which,'  says  7, " 

"  Holy  prophet  ! "  cried  the  pacha  in  a  rage  ;  "I  will 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  125 

hear  no  more  of  your  says  Fsi  if  you  cannot  tell  your 
story  without  them,  you  shall  fare  worse  than  Ali." 

"  May  it  please  your  highness,  how  will  it  be  possible 
for  you  to  know  what  I  said,  unless  I  point  out  to  you 
what  I  did  say  ?  I  cannot  tell  my  story  without  it." 

"  ril  see  that,"  replied  the  pacha,  in  a  savage  tone  ;  and, 
making  the  sign,  the  executioner  made  his  appearance. 
**  Now,  then,  go  on  with  your  story  ;  and,  executionei^, 
after  he  has  repeated  says  I  three  times,  off  with  his  head  ! 
Go  on." 

"  I  shall  never  be  able  to  go  on,  your  highness ; 
consider  one  moment  how  harmless  my  says  Ts  are  to  the 
detestable  you  kmivs  of  Ali.  That's  what  I  always  told 
him ;  *  Ali,'  says  /,  *  if  you  only  knew,'  says  I,  *  how 
annoying  you  are  !  Why  there,'  says  I !  "  At  this  moment 
the  blow  of  the  scimitar  fell,  and  the  head  of  Hussaa 
rolled  upon  the  floor;  the  lips  from  the  force  of  habit 
still  quivering  in  their  convulsions,  with  the  motioning 
which  would  have  produced  says  I,  if  the  channel  of  sound 
had  not  been  so  effectually  interrupted. 

"  That  story's  ended ! "  observed  the  pacha  in  a  rage, 
"  Of  all  the  nuisances  I  ever  encountered,  these  two  men 
have  beat  them  all.  Allah  forbid  that  I  ever  should  again 
meet  with  a  says  /,  or  a  you  hnoiv  I " 

"  Your  highness  is  all  wisdom,"  observed  Mustapha  -^ 
"  may  such  ever  be  the  fate  of  those  who  cannot  tell  their 
stories  without  saying  what  they  said."  The  pacha, 
irritated  at  his  disappointment,  and  little  soothed  by  the 
remark  of  Mustapha,  without  making  any  answer  to  it, 
was  about  to  retire  to  his  harem,  when  Mustapha,  with  a 
low  salaam,  informed  him  that  the  renegade  was  in 
attendance  to  relate  his  Second  Voyage,  if  he  might 
be  permitted  to  kiss  the  dust  of  his  presence.  "Khoda 
shefa  midehed  —  God  gives  relief,"  replied  the  pacha, 
as  he  resumed  his  seat :  "let  him  approach." 

The  renegade  entered  and,  having  paid  the  customary 
obeisance,  took  his  seat,  and  commenced  the  narrative 
of  his  Second  Voyage. 


126  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

May  it  please  your  most  sublime  highness,  the  day 
after  I  embarked,  we  sailed  with  a  fair  wind,  and  having 
cleared  the  Straits,  flattered  ourselves  with  the  prospect 
of  a  successful  voyage ;  but  we  were  miserably  disap- 
pointed, for  three  days  afterwards  we  fell  in  with  a  small 
brig  under  English  colours.  As  she  was  evidently  a 
merchant  vessel,  we  paid  no  attention  to  her  running 
down  to  us,  supposing  that  she  was  out  of  her  reckoning, 
and  wished  to  know  her  exact  position  on  the  chart.  But 
as  soon  as  she  was  close  to  us,  instead  of  passing  under 
our  stern,  as  we  expected,  she  rounded-to,  and  laid  us  by 
the  board.  Taken  by  surprise,  and  having  no  arms,  we 
were  beaten  down  below,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  vessel 
remained  in  the  possession  of  our  assailants.  They  held  a 
short  consultation,  and  then,  opening  the  hatches,  a  boat- 
swain pulled  out  his  whistle,  and  in  a  tremendous  voice 
roared  out,  ^^  All  hands  ahoy  I  ^^  which  was  followed  by  his 
crying  out,  "  Tumble  up  there,  tumble  up  I  "  As  we  under- 
stood this  to  be  a  signal  for  our  appearance  on  deck,  we 
obeyed  the  summons.  When  we  all  came  up,  we  found 
out  that  if  we  had  had  any  idea  that  they  were  enemies, 
we  might  have  beaten  them  off,  as  they  were  only  fifteen 
in  number,  v/hile  we  mustered  sixteen.  But  it  was  too 
late :  we  were  unarmed,  and  they  had  each  of  them  a 
cutlass,  with  two  pistols  stuck  in  their  girdles.  As  soon 
as  we  were  all  on  deck,  they  bound  our  arms  behind 
us  with  ropes,  and  ranged  us  in  a  line.  Having  inquired 
of  each  of  us  our  respective  ranks  and  professions,  they 
held  a  short  consultation,  and  the  boatswain  addressing  me 
said — "Thank  heaven,  you  scoundrel,  that  you  were 
brought  up  as  a  barber,  for  it  has  saved  your  life  !  " 

He  then  cut  loose  the  cords  which  bound  me,  and  I 
remained  at  liberty.  "Now  then,  my  lads!"  continued 
the  boatswain,  '* come,  every  man  his  bird!"  and,  so  saying, 
he  seized  upon  the  captain  of  the  vessel,  and  leading  him 
to  the  gangway,  passed  his  sword  through  his  body,  and 
tossed  him  into  the  sea. 

In  the  same   manner   each  of  the   murderous   villains 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  127 

led  forward  the  man  he  had  selected,  and  putting  an  end 
to  his  life,  either  by  the  sword  or  pistol,  launched  the 
corpse  into  the  waves. 

My  blood  curdled  as  I  beheld  the  scene,  but  I  said 
nothing.  I  considered  myself  too  fortunate  to  escape  with 
life.  When  it  was  all  over,  the  boatswain  roared  out, 
*^  That  job'' s  done!  Now,  Mr  Barber,  swab  up  all  this  here 
blood,  and  be  d — d  to  you !  and  recollect  that  you  are  one 
of  us."  I  obeyed  in  fear  and  silence,  and  then  returned 
to  my  former  station  near  the  taffrail. 

The  people  who  had  captured  us,  as  I  afterwards 
found  out,  were  part  of  the  crew  of  an  English  Guinea- 
man,  who  had  murdered  the  master  and  mate,  and  had 
taken  possession  of  the  vessel.  As  our  brig  was  a  much 
finer  craft  in  every  respect,  they  determined  upon  retaining 
her,  and  scuttling  their  own.  Before  night,  they  had 
made  all  their  arrangements,  and  were  standing  to  the 
westward  with  a  fine  breeze. 

But  exactly  as  the  bell  struck  eight  for  midnight, 
a  tremendous  voice  was  heard  at  the  hatchway,  if  possible, 
more  than  a  hundred  times  louder  than  the  boatswain's, 
roaring  out  "  All  hands  ahoy  I " 

The  concussion  of  the  air  was  so  great,  that  the  ship 
trembled,  as  if  she  had  been  struck  with  a  thunderbolt ; 
and  as  soon  as  the  motion  had  subsided,  the  water  was 
heard  to  rush  into  every  part  of  the  hold.  Every  body 
ran  on  deck  astonished  with  the  sound,  expecting  the 
vessel  immediately  to  go  down,  and  looking  at  each  other 
with  horror  as  they  stood  trembling  in  their  shirts.  The 
water  continued  to  rush  into  the  vessel,  until  it  reached 
the  orlop  beams  ;  then,  as  suddenly,  it  stopped. 

When  the  panic  had,  to  a  certain  degree,  subsided,  and 
they  perceived  that  the  water  did  not  increase,  all  hands 
applied  to  the  pumps,  and  by  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning 
the  vessel  was  free.  Still  the  unaccountable  circumstance 
weighed  heavy  on  the  minds  of  the  seamen,  who  walked 
the  deck  without  speaking  to  each  other,  or  paying  any 
attention  to  the  ship's  course ;  and  as  no  one  took  the 
command,  no  one  was  ordered  to  the  helm. 


128  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

For  my  own  part,  I  thought  it  a  judgment  upon  them 
for  their  cruelty ;  and,  expecting  that  worse  would  happen, 
I  had  made  up  my  mind  to  my  fate.  I  thought  of  Marie, 
and  hoping  for  pardon  yet  fearing  the  worst,  I  vowed,  if  I 
escaped,  that  I  would  amend  my  life. 

At  night  we  again  retired  to  our  hammocks,  but  no  one 
slept,  so  afraid  were  we  of  a  second  visitation.  The  bell 
was  not  struck  by  the  men,  but  it  struck  itself,  louder  than 
I  ever  heard  it  before ;  and  again  the  dreadful  voice  was 
heard,  ^^  All  hands  ahoy  I  ^^  again  the  water  rushed  in,  and 
again  we  ran  on  deck.  As  before,  it  mounted  as  high  as 
the  orlop  beams ;  it  then  stopped,  and  was  pumped  out 
again  by  eight  o'clock  on  the  ensuing  morning. 

For  a  month,  during  which  time  we  never  saw  land, 
for  we  had  lost  all  reckoning,  and  no  one  cared  to  steer — 
the  same  dreadful  visitation  took  place.  Habit  had  to  a 
degree  hardened  the  men ;  they  now  swore  and  got  drunk 
as  before,  and  even  made  a  jest  of  the  boatswain  of  the 
middle  ivatch,  as  they  called  him,  but  at  the  same  time 
they  were  worn  out  with  constant  fatigue  ;  and  one  night 
they  declared  that  they  would  pump  no  longer.  The 
water  remained  in  the  vessel  all  that  day,  and  we  retired 
to  our  hammocks  as  usual ;  when  at  midnight,  the  same 
voice  was  again  heard  at  the  hatchway,  not  followed  by 
the  rush  of  water,  but  by  a  shriek  of  "  Tumble  up  there, 
tumble  up  !  " 

We  all  started  at  the  summons,  and  hastened  on  deck  \ 
there  was  something  that  impelled  us  in  spite  of  ourselves. 
Never  shall  I  forget  the  horrid  sight  which  presented 
itself :  stretched  in  a  row  on  the  deck  of  the  vessel  lay  the 
fifteen  bloody  corpses  of  my  shipmates  who  had  been 
murdered.  We  stood  aghast ;  the  hair  rose  s.traight  up 
from  our  heads,  as  we  viewed  the  supernatural  reappear- 
ances. After  a  pause  of  about  five  minutes,  during  which 
we  never  spoke  or  even  moved,  one  of  the  corpses  cried 
out  in  a  sepulchral  voice,  "  Come,  every  man  his  bird  I  ^^  and 
held  up  its  arms  as  it  lay. 

The  man,  whose  office  it  had  been  to  take  the  living 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  129 

body  to  the  gangway,  and  after  killing  it  to  throw  it  over- 
board, advanced  towards  it ;  he  was  evidently  impelled  by 
a  supernatural  power,  for  never  shall  I  forget  the  look  of 
horror,  the  faint  scream  of  agony,  which  escaped  him  as  he 
obeyed  the  summons.  Like  the  trembling  bird  fascinated 
by  the  snake,  he  fell  into  the  arms  of  the  dead  body ; 
which  grasping  him  tight,  rolled  over  and  over  in  con- 
volutions like  a  serpent,  until  it  gained  the  break  of  the 
gangway,  and  then  tumbled  into  the  sea  with  its  murderer 
entwined  in  its  embraces.  A  flash  of  lightning  succeeded, 
which  blinded  us  for  several  minutes ;  and  when  we  re- 
covered our  vision,  the  remainder  of  the  bodies  had 
disappeared. 

The  effect  upon  the  guilty  wretches  was  dreadful ;  there 
they  lay,  each  man  on  the  deck  where  he  had  crouched 
down,  when  the  lightning  had  flashed  upon  him :  the  sun 
rose  upon  them,  yet  they  moved  not ;  he  poured  his  beams 
on  their  naked  bodies  when  at  his  meridian  height,  yet 
they  still  remained :  the  evening  closed  in,  and  found  them 
in  the  same  positions.  As  soon  as  it  was  dark,  as  if 
released  from  a  spell,  they  crawled  below,  and  went  into 
their  hammocks :  at  midnight  again  the  bell  struck ;  again 
the  voice  was  heard,  followed  by  the  shriek;  again 
they  repaired  on  deck :  the  fourteen  remaining  bodies 
lay  in  a  row :  another  of  the  murderers  was  summoned, 
obeyed,  and  disappeared  :  again  the  flash  of  lightning  burst 
upon  us,  and  all  had  vanished ;  and  thus  it  continued  every 
night,  until  the  boatswain,  who  was  reserved  for  the 
last,  was  dragged  overboard  after  the  rest  by  the  corpse 
of  the  captain;  and  then  a  tremendous  voice  from  the 
maintop,  followed  by  exulting  laughter,  cried  out,  ''  That 
joh^s  doneP  Immediately  after  which,  the  water  rushed 
out  of  the  bottom  of  the  vessel,  and  she  was  clear 
as  before. 

Returning  thanks  to  heaven  that   I  was   not   a   party 

sufferer  with  the  rest,  I  lay  down,  and  for  the  first  time 

for  many  weeks  fell  into  a  sound  sleep.     How  long  I  slept, 

I  know  not :  it  may  have  been  days ;  but  I  awoke  at  last 

P  I 


130  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

by  the  sound  of  voices,  and  found  that  the  people  on  board 
of  a  vessel  bound  from  Mexico  to  the  South  of  Spain, 
perceiving  the  brig  lying  with  her  sails  torn,  and  her  yards 
not  trimmed,  had  sent  a  boat  to  ascertain  whether  there 
was  any  body  remaining  in  her.  I  was  afraid  that  if  I  told 
them  what  had  happened,  they  either  would  not  believe 
me,  or  else  would  refuse  to  take  on  board  a  person 
who  had  been  in  company  with  such  examples  of  divine 
vengeance.  I  therefore  stated  that  we  had  been  attacked 
by  dysentery  about  six  weeks  before,  and  all  had  died 
except  myself,  who  was  supercargo  of  the  brig. 

As  their  vessel  was  but  half  full,  the  cargo,  consisting 
chiefly  of  cochineal  and  copper,  which  is  stowed  in  small 
space,  the  captain  offered  to  take  as  many  of  my  goods  as 
he  could  stow,  provided  I  would  allow  him  the  freight. 
This  I  willingly  consented  to,  and,  examining  the  manifest, 
selected  the  most  valuable,  which  were  removed  to  the 
Spanish  vessel. 

We  had  a  favourable  wind ;  and  having  run  through 
the  Straits,  expected  in  a  day  or  two  we  should  anchor 
at  Valencia,  to  which  port  she  was  bound  ;  but  a  violent 
gale  came  on  from  the  N.E,  which  lasted  many  days,  and 
drove  us  over  to  the  African  shore.  To  increase  our 
misfortunes,  the  ship  sprung  a  leak,  and  made  so  much 
water  that  we  could  scarcely  keep  her  free. 

The  Spaniards  are  but  indiiFerent  sailors,  your  highness, 
and  in  a  storm  are  more  inclined  to  pray  than  to  work : 
they  became  frightened,  gave  over  pumping,  and  having 
lighted  a  candle  before  the  image  of  St  Antonio,  which 
was  fixed  on  the  stern  of  the  vessel,  began  to  call  upon 
him  for  assistance.  Not  immediately  obtaining  their 
request,  they  took  the  image  out  of  the  shrine,  abused 
it,  called  it  every  vile  name  that  they  could  think  of, 
and  ended  with  tying  it  against  the  main-mast,  and  beating 
it  with  ropes. 

In  the  meantime  the  vessel  filled  more  and  more; 
whereas,  if,  instead  of  praying,  they  had  continued  at 
the  pumps,  we  should  have  done  well  enough,  as  the 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  131 

gale  was  abating,  and  she  did  not  make  so  much  water 
as  before. 

Enraged  at  their  cowardice,  and  at  the  idea  of  losing 
so  much  property  as  I  had  on  board  (for  I  considered  it 
as  my  own),  I  seized  the  image  from  the  mast,  and  threw 
it  overboard,  telling  them  to  go  to  their  pumps  if  they 
wished  to  be  saved.  The  whole  crew  uttered  a  cry  of 
horror,  and  would  have  thrown  me  after  the  image,  but 
I  made  my  escape  up  the  rigging,  from  whence  I  dared 
not  descend  for  many  hours. 

Having  now  no  saint  to  appeal  to,  they  once  more 
applied  to  the  pumps.  To  their  astonishment,  the  vessel 
made  no  more  water,  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours 
she  was  free. 

The  next  morning  the  gale  was  over,  and  we  were 
steering  for  Valencia.  I  observed  that  the  captain  and 
sailors  avoided  me,  but  I  cared  little  about  it,  as  I  felt 
that  my  conduct  had  saved  the  ship  as  well  as  my  own 
property.  On  the  second  day  we  anchored  in  the  bay, 
and  were  boarded  by  the  authorities,  who  went  down 
into  the  cabin,  and  had  a  long  conversation  with  the 
captain.  They  quitted  the  ship,  and  about  an  hour 
afterwards  I  proposed  going  ashore,  but  the  captain  said 
that  he  could  not  permit  it  until  the  next  morning. 
While  I  was  expostulating  with  him  as  to  the  reasons 
for  my  detention,  a  boat  rowed  alongside,  from  out  of 
which  came  two  personages  dressed  in  black.  I  knew 
them  to  be  familiars  of  the  Inquisition.;  and  it  immediately 
occurred  to  me  that  my  personification  of  the  lady  abbess 
had  been  discovered,  and  that  my  doom  was  sealed.  The 
captain  pointed  me  out ;  they  collared  and  handed  me 
into  the  boat,  and  pulled  for  the  shore  in  silence. 

When  we  landed,  I  was  put  into  a  black  coach,  and 
conveyed  to  the  palace  of  the  Inquisition,  where  I  was 
thrown  into  one  of  the  lowest  dungeons.  The  next  day 
the  familiars  appeared,  and  led  me  to  the  hall  of  judgment, 
where  I  was  asked  whether  I  confessed  my  crime.  I 
replied   that   I   did   not   know  what   I   was   accused   of. 


132  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

They  again  asked  me  if  I  would  confess,  and  on  my 
making  the  same  answer  I  was  ordered  to  the  torture. 

As  I  knew  that  I  had  no  chance,  I  thought  I  might  as 
well  avoid  unnecessary  pain,  and  declared  that  I  did 
confess  it. 

"What  instigated  you  to  the  deed  ?" 

Not  well  knowing  what  to  reply,  as  I  was  not  exactly 
aware  of  the  nature  of  my  offence,  I  answered  that  it 
was  the  blessed  Virgin. 

"  Blasphemer  !  "  cried  the  grand  inquisitor,  "  what ! 
the  blessed  Virgin  desired  you  to  throw  St  Antonio 
overboard  ^  " 

**  Yes,"  replied  I  (glad  that  at  all  events  the  crime  was 
not  what  I  had  anticipated),  "  she  did,  and  told  me  that 
it  would  be  the  saving  of  the  vessel." 

"  Where  were  you  ?  " 

"  On  the  deck." 

"  Where  did  you  see  her  ?  " 

"  She  was  sitting  on  a  small  blue  cloud,  a  little  above 
the  topsail  yard.  '  Fear  not,  Fran9ois,'  said  she,  motioning 
with  her  hand,  *to  throw  the  image  overboard.'"  The 
inquisitors  were  astonished  at  my  boldness  :  a  consultation 
was  held,  as  to  whether  I  should  be  treated  as  a  blasphemer, 
or  the  circumstance  blazoned  into  a  miracle.  But  it  un- 
fortunately happened  for  me  that  a  miracle  had  occurred 
very  lately  ;  and  there  were  very  few  people  to  be  burnt 
at  the  auto  dafe  of  the  ensuing  month. 

It  was  therefore  decided  against  me.  I  was  reviled, 
abused,  and  sentenced  to  the  flames ;  but  I  determined, 
as  my  only  chance,  to  put  a  good  face  upon  the  matter 
to  the  very  last.  Looking  up,  as  if  to  a  point  in  the 
ceiling  of  the  dark  hall  of  judgment,  and  holding  my 
hands  before,  as  if  in  amazement — "  Holy  Virgin,"  cried 
I,  bending  on  my  knee,  "  I  thank  thee  for  the  sign.  My 
Lord,"  continued  I  fiercely,  "  I  fear  you  not ;  you  have 
sentenced  me  to  perish  by  the  flames ;  I  tell  you  that  I 
shall  leave  my  dungeon  with  honour,  and  be  as  much 
courted  as  I  have  been  now  reviled." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  133 

The  inquisitors  were  for  a  moment  staggered,  but  their 
surprise  gave  place  to  their  cruelty,  when  they  considered 
how  long  they  had  tortured  thousands  for  doubting  points 
to  which  they  themselves  had  never  for  a  moment  given 
credence.  I  was  remanded  to  my  dungeon ;  and  the 
gaoler,  who  had  never  before  witnessed  such  boldness  in 
the  hall  of  justice,  and  was  impressed  with  the  conviction 
that  I  was  supported  as  I  had  affirmed,  treated  me  with 
kindness,  affording  me  comforts,  which,  had  it  been 
known,  would  have  cost  him  his  situation. 

In  the  meantime  the  cargo  of  the  vessel  was  landed  at 
the  Custom  House,  and  she  was  hauled  on  shore  to  have 
her  bottom  caulked  and  pitched,  when,  to  the  astonishment 
of  the  captain  and  crew,  the  hole  which  had  occasioned 
the  leak  was  discovered  with  the  head  of  the  figure  of 
the  saint,  which  I  had  thrown  overboard,  so  firmly 
wedged  in,  that  it  required  some  force  to  pull  it  out. 
"  A  miracle !  a  miracle ! "  was  cried  from  the  quays,  and 
proclaimed  through  every  part  of  the  town.  It  was 
evident  that  the  Virgin  had  instigated  me  to  throw  over 
the  image,  as  the  only  means  of  stopping  the  leak.  The 
friars  of  the  nearest  convent  claimed  the  image  from  their 
propinquity,  and  came  down  to  the  ship  in  grand  pro- 
cession to  carry  it  to  their  church.  The  grand  inquisitor, 
hearing  the  circumstance,  acknowledged  to  the  bishop 
and  heads  of  the  clergy  my  intrepid  behaviour  in  the  hall 
of  judgment ;  and  not  three  hours  after  the  ship  had  been 
hauled  on  shore,  I  was  visited  in  my  dungeon  by  the 
grand  inquisitor,  the  bishop,  and  a  long  procession,  my 
pardon  requested,  and  the  kiss  of  peace  demanded  and 
given.  I  was  taken  away  with  every  mark  of  respect, 
and  looked  upon  as  one  under  special  favour  of  the 
Virgin.  "Did  I  not  say,  my  lord,  that  I  should  leave 
my  dungeon  in  honour  ? " 

"  You  did,  my  friend,"  answered  the  inquisitor ;  and 
I  heard  him  mutter,  "  either  there  is  such  a  person  as  the 
Virgin  Mary,  or  you  are  a  most  ready-witted  scoundrel." 

During  my  stay  at  Valencia,  I  was  courted  and  feasted 


134  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

by  everybody,  and  sold  my  goods  at  an  enormous  price ; 
for  everyone  thought  that  to  possess  anything  that  had 
belonged  to  me  must  bring  them  good  fortune.  I  received 
many  handsome  presents,  had  divers  requests  to  become 
a  member  of  the  different  fraternities  of  monks,  and  event- 
ually quitted  the  town  with  a  large  sum  of  money,  with 
which  I  proceeded  to  Toulon,  with  the  intention  of 
making  some  inquiry  after  my  dear  Cerise,  whose  image 
was  still  the  object  of  my  dreams,  as  well  as  of  my  waking 
thoughts. 

"  Stop,"  said  the  pacha ;  "  I  wish  to  know,  whether  you 
believe  that  the  Virgin,  as  you  call  her,  did  thrust  the 
head  of  the  image  into  the  hole  in  the  bottom  of  the  ship." 

"  May  it  please  your  highness,  I  do  not.  I  believe  it 
originated  from  nothing  but  cause  and  effect.  It  is  the 
nature  of  a  whirlpool  to  draw  down  all  substances  that 
come  within  its  vortex.  The  water  pouring  into  the 
bottom  of  the  ship  is  but  the  vortex  of  a  whirlpool  re- 
versed ;  and  the  image  of  the  saint,  when  it  was  thrown 
overboard  to  leeward  of  the  ship,  which  was  pressed  down 
upon  it  by  the  power  of  the  wind,  was  forced  under  the 
water,  until  it  was  taken  into  the  vortex  of  the  leak,  and 
naturally  found  its  way  into  the  hole." 

"  I  dare  say  you  are  very  right,"  answered  the  pacha, 
"  but  I  don't  understand  a  word  you  have  said." 

"  Such  your  highness  were  the  adventures  attending  my 
second  voyage,"  concluded  the  renegade,  with  an  inclina- 
tion of  his  head. 

"  And  a  very  good  voyage  too  !  I  like  it  better  than 
your  first.  Mustapha,  give  him  ten  pieces  of  gold :  you 
will  bring  him  here  to-morrow,  and  we  will  hear  what 
happened  in  his  third." 

"  You  observe,"  said  Mustapha,  when  the  pacha  had 
retired,  "  my  advice  was  good." 

"  Most  excellent  !  "  replied  the  renegade,  holding  out 
his  hand  for  the  money :  "  To-morrow  I'll  lie  like  any 
barber." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  135 


Chapter  VII 

"  Khoda  shefa  midehed — God  gives  relief !  "  cried  the 
pacha,  as  the  divan  closed :  and,  certainly,  during  its  con- 
tinuance many  had  been  relieved  of  their  worldly  goods, 
and  one  or  two  from  all  future  worldly  thoughts  or 
wanderings. — "  What  have  we  to-day,  Mustapha  ?" 

"  May  your  highness's  shadow  never  be  less  !  "  replied 
the  vizier.  "  Have  we  not  the  slave  who  offered  to  lay 
his  story  at  your  sublime  feet,  on  the  same  evening  that 
we  met  those  sons  of  Shitan — Ali  and  Hussan,  who 
received  the  punishment  merited  by  their  enormous  crimes .? 
Have  we  not  also  the  manuscript  of  the  Spanish  slave,  now 
translated  by  my  faithful  Greek ;  who  tells  me  that  the 
words  are  flowing  with  honey,  and  their  music  is  equal  to 
that  of  the  bulbul  when  singing  to  his  favourite  rose  ? " 

"  And  the  Giaour  who  relates  his  voyages  and  travels," 
interrupted  the  pacha — "  where  is  he  ?  No  Kessehgou  of 
our  own  race  tells  stories  like  unto  his." 

"  The  Giaour  is  on  the  waters,  your  highness.  He  is  a 
very  rustam  on  board  of  a  ship,  and  brings  wealth  to  the 
haz7ieh  of  your  sublime  highness.  He  consulted  the 
astrologers,  and  the  stars  were  propitious.  To-morrow  I 
expect  he  will  return." 

"  Well,  then,  we  must  content  ourselves  with  what  is 
offered.  Let  the  slave  approach,  and  we  will  listen  to  his 
story,  since  we  cannot  have  the  wonderful  tales  of 
Huckaback." 

"Whose  dog  was  Lokman,  to  be  compared  to  your 
sublime  highness  in  wisdom  ?  "  replied  Mustapha.  "  What 
are  the  words  of  Hafiz — *  Every  moment  that  you  enjoy, 
count  it  gain.  Who  shall  say  what  will  be  the  event  of 
any  thing  ?'" 

The  slave,  who  had  been  detained  by  the  orders  of 
Mustapha,  was  ordered  to  appear.  During  his  confine- 
ment, Mustapha  had  been  informed  by  his  people  that  he 


136  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

was  *' visited  by  Allah;"  or  in  other  words,  that  he  was 
a  madman.  Nevertheless,  Mustapha — who  was  afraid  to 
release  a  man  (or  rather,  a  story)  without  the  consent  of 
the  pacha,  and  could  not  send  for  the  renegade  to  supply 
any  defalcation — considered  that,  upon  the  whole,  it  was 
better  that  he  should  be  admitted  to  the  presence  of  the 
pacha. 

"  You  asked  me  to  hear  your  story,"  observed  the 
pacha,  "  and  I  have  consented, — not  to  please  you,  but  to 
please  myself,  because  I  am  fond  of  a  good  story :  which 
I  take  it  for  granted  yours  will  be,  or  you  would  not  have 
presumed  to  make  the  request.     Now  you  may  go  on." 

"Pacha,"  replied  the  slave,  who  had  seated  himself  in  a 
corner,  working  his  body  backward  and  forward,  "it  is 
the  misfortune  of  those  who  not  aware — of  the  excitement 
which — as  I  before  stated  to  your  highness — exceeds  in 
altitude  the  lofty  and  snow-covered  peak  of  Hebrus — and, 
nevertheless,  cannot  be  worth  more  than  four  or  five 
paras " 

"Holy  prophet!  what  is  all  this?"  interrupted  the 
pacha;  "I  cannot  understand  a  word  that  you  say.  Do 
you  laugh  at  our  beard  ?  Speak  more  intelligibly. 
Remember ! " 

"  I  remember  it  as  if  it  were  now,"  continued  the 
maniac,  "although  years  have  rolled  away.  Never  will  it 
be  effaced  from  my  recollection  while  this  heart,  broken  as 
it  is,  continues  to  beat,  or  this  brain  may  be  permitted  to 
burn.  The  sun  had  just  disappeared  behind  the  rugged 
summits  of  the  mountain  which  sheltered  my  abode  from 
the  unkind  north-east  wind :  the  leaves  of  the  vines  that 
hung  in  festoons  on  the  trellis  before  my  cottage,  which, 
but  a  minute  before,  pierced  by  his  glorious  rays,  had 
appeared  so  brilliant  and  transparent,  had  now  assumed  a 
browner  shade,  and,  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  a  thin 
blue  vapour  was  descending  the  ravine  :  the  distant  sea 
had  changed  its  intense  blue  for  a  sombre  grey,  while  the 
surf  rolled  sullenly  to  the  beach,  as  if  in  discontent  that  it 
could  no  longer  reflect  the  colours  of  the  prism  as  before. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  137 

when  it  seemed  to  dance  with  joy  under  the  brilliant 
illumination  of  the  god  of  day " 

*'Poof !  "  ejaculated  the  pacha,  fanning  himself. 

"  My  boat  was  on  the  beach  ;  my  eyes  were  fixed  upon 
it,  in  happy  vacancy,  until  the  shades  of  night  prevented 
my  discerning  the  nets  which  were  spread  upon  its  gunnel. 
I  turned  round  at  the  soft  voice  of  my  Etana,  who  was 
seated  near  me  with  her  infant  in  her  arms,  and  watching 
the  little  one's  impatience,  as  it  would  demand  a  more 
rapid  flow  of  milk  from  that  snowy  breast,  and  the  fond 
smile  of  the  delighted  mother,  as  she  bent  over  the  first 
dear  pledge  of  our  affection.  I  felt  happy — almost  too 
happy :  I  had  all  I  wished — yes  I  had," — and  the  maniac 
paused  and  smote  his  forehead,  "  but  it  is  past  now." 

After  a  second  or  two  he  resumed — 

**  For  my  part  it  has  always  been  my  opinion  that  when 
the  wind  backs  to  the  south-east,  the  fish  repair  to  the 
deep  water ;  and  if  you  will  be  careful  when  you  gather 
the  grapes  not  to  throw  in  the  stalks,  that  the  wine  will, 
as  I  before  stated  to  your  highness,  only  increase  the 
extreme  difficulty  of  ascertaining  how  far  a  man  could 
conscientiously  demand,  that  is  to  say,  in  proportion  to  the 
degree  of  intellect,  stated  at  different  intervals,  and  ex- 
tending down  the  crags  of  the  whole  ravine." 

"  I  cannot,  positively,  understand  a  word  of  all  this  !  " 
exclaimed  the  pacha,  with  irritation  j  "  can  you,  Mus- 
tapha?" 

"  How  is  it  possible  for  your  slave  to  comprehend  that 
which  is  concealed  from  the  wisdom  of  your  highness  ?  " 

"  Very  true,"  replied  the  pacha. 

"  Your  highness  will  understand  it  all  by-and-bye," 
observed  the  maniac  ;  *'  but  it  will  be  necessary  that  you 
wait  until  I  have  finished  the  story,  when  it  will  all  reel 
off  like  a  skein  of  silk,  which  at  present  but  appears  to  be 
ravelled." 

**Well  then,"  replied  the  pacha,  "I  wish  you  would 
begin  at  the  end  of  your  story,  and  finish  with  the  be- 
ginning.    Now  go  on." 


138  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  There  is  nought  under  heaven  so  interesting — so 
graceful — so  pleasing  to  contemplate  as  a  young  mother 
with  her  first-born  at  her  breast.  The  soft  lisps  and 
caresses  of  childhood  —  the  expanding  graces  of  the 
budding  maiden — the  blushing,  smiling,  yet  trembling 
bride,  all  lose  in  the  comparison  with  woman  in  her 
beauty  fulfilling  her  destiny  on  earth ;  her  countenance 
radiating  with  those  intense  feelings  of  delight,  which 
more  than  repay  her  for  her  previous  hours  of  sorrow 
and  of  anguish.     But  Fm  afraid  I  tire  your  highness." 

"Wallah  el  Nebi ! — by  God  and  his  Prophet,  you  do 
indeed.     Is  it  all  to  be  like  that  ? " 

"  No  !  pacha.  I  wish  to  heaven  that  it  had  been. 
Merciful  God  ! — why  didst  thou  permit  the  blow  ? — ^Was 
not  I  grateful  ? — Were  not  my  eyes  suffused  with  tears, 
springing  from  gratitude  and  love,  at  the  very  moment 
when  they  rushed  in — when  their  murdering  weapons  were 
pointed  to  my  breast — when  the  mother  shrieked  as  they 
tore  away  the  infant  as  a  useless  encumbrance,  and  dashed 
it  to  the  ground — when  I  caught  it  up,  and  the  pistol  of 
the  savage  Turk  put  an  end  to  its  existence  ?  I  see  it 
now,  as  I  kissed  the  little  ruby  fountain  which  bubbled 
from  its  heart :  I  see  her  too,  as  they  bore  her  away  sense- 
less in  their  arms.  Pacha,  in  one  short  minute  I  was  bereft 
of  all — wife,  child,  home,  liberty,  and  reason ;  and  here  I 
am,  a  madman  and  a  slave  !  " 

The  maniac  paused  :  then  starting  upon  his  feet,  he 
commenced  in  a  loud  voice  : — "  But  I  know  who  they  were 
— I  know  them  all,  and  I  know  where  she  is  too  :  and  now, 
pacha,  you  shall  do  me  justice.  This  is  he  who  stole  my 
wife  ;  this  is  he  who  murdered  my  child ;  this  is  he  who 
keeps  her  from  my  arms  :  and  thus  I  beard  him  in  your 
presence  :  " — and  as  he  finished  his  exclamations,  he  sprang 
upon  the  terrified  Mustapha,  seizing  him  by  the  beard  with 
one  hand,  while  with  the  other  he  beat  his  turban  about 
his  head. 

The  guards  rushed  in,  and  rescued  the  vizier  from  the 
awkward  position  in  which  he  was   placed  by  his  own 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  139 

imprudence,  in  permitting  the  man  to  appear  at  the 
divan. 

The  rage  of  the  pacha  was  excessive  ;  and  the  head  of 
the  maniac  would  have  been  separated  from  his  body,  had 
it  not  been  for  the  prudence  of  Mustapha,  who  was  aware 
that  the  common  people  consider  idiots  and  madmen  to  be 
under  the  special  protection  of  heaven,  and  that  such  an 
act  would  be  sufficient  to  create  an  insurrection.  At  his 
intercession,  the  man  was  taken  away  by  the  guards,  and 
not  released  until  he  was  a  considerable  distance  from  the 
palace. 

"  Allah  Karim  ! — God  is  merciful !  "  exclaimed  the  pacha 
as  soon  as  the  maniac  had  been  carried  away.  "I'm  glad 
that  he  did  not  think  it  was  me  who  had  his  wife." 

"  Allah  forbid  that  your  highness  should  have  been  so 
treated.  He  has  almost  ruined  the  beard  of  your  slave," 
replied  the  vizier,  adjusting  the  folds  of  his  turban. 

"  Mustapha,  make  a  memorandum  never  again  to  accept 
an  offer.  I'm  convinced  that  a  volunteer  story  is  worth 
nothing." 

"  Your  highness  speaks  the  truth — no  man  parts  readily 
with  what  is  worth  retaining — gold  is  not  kicked  up  with 
the  sandal,  nor  diamonds  to  be  found  glittering  in  the  rays 
of  the  sun.  If  we  would  obtain  them,  we  must  search 
and  labour  in  the  dark  mine. — Will  your  highness  be 
pleased  to  hear  the  manuscript  which  had  been  translated 
by  the  Greek  slave  ?  " 

"Be  it  so,"  replied  the  pacha,  not  in  the  very  best  of 
humours. 

The  Greek  made  his  appearance  and  made  his  salutation, 
and  then  read  as  follows  : — 


MANUSCRIPT   OF   THE    MONK, 

RECORDING   THE   DISCOVERY   OF   THE   ISLAND   OF   MADEIRA. 

Before  I  am   summoned  to  that  offended  tribunal,   to 
propitiate  which  I  have  passed  so  many  years  in  penitence 


140  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

and  prayer,  let  me  record  for  the  benefit  of  others  the 
history  of  one,  who,  yielding  to  fatal  passion,  embittered 
the  remainder  of  his  own  days,  and  shortened  those  of  the 
adored  partner  of  his  guilt.  Let  my  confession  be  public, 
that  warning  may  be  taken  from  my  example  ;  and  may 
the  sincerity  with  which  I  acknowledge  my  offence,  and 
the  tears  which  I  have  shed,  efface  it  from  the  accumulated 
records  of  the  wilfulness  and  disobedience  of  man  ! 

In  a  few  days  this  attenuated  frame  will  be  mingled 
with  the  dust  from  which  it  sprung,  and  scattered  by  the 
winds  of  heaven,  or  by  the  labour  of  future  generations,  as 
chance  may  dictate,  will  yield  sustenance  to  the  thistle 
which  wars  against  the  fertility  of  nature,  or  the  grain 
which  is  the  support  of  our  existence, — to  the  nightshade 
with  its  deadly  fruit,  or  the  creeping  violet  with  its  sweet 
perfume.  The  heart  which  has  throbbed  so  tumultuously 
with  the  extreme  of  love,  and  which  has  been  riven  with 
the  excess  of  woe,  will  shortly  pant  no  more.  The  mind 
which  has  been  borne  down  by  the  irresistible  force  of 
passion, — which  has  attempted  to  stem  the  torrent,  but  in 
vain,  and,  since  the  rage  of  it  has  passed  away,  has  been 
left  like  the  once  fertile  valley  which  has  been  overflown, 
a  waste  of  barrenness  and  desolation, — will  shortly  cease 
from  its  wearied  action.  In  a  few  brief  days  I  must  appear 
in  the  presence  of  an  offended,  yet  merciful  Saviour,  who, 
offering  every  thing,  weeps  at  the  insanity  of  our  rejection. 
Let  then  the  confessions  of  Henrique  serve  as  a  beacon  to 
those  who  are  inclined  to  yield  to  the  first  impulse ;  when, 
alarmed  at  the  discovery  of  their  errors,  they  will  find  that 
conviction  has  arrived  too  late,  and  that,  like  me,  they  will 
be  irresistibly  impelled  against  the  struggles  of  reason  and 
of  conscience. 

I  am  an  Englishman  by  birth :  my  parents  were  called 
away  before  I  was  five  years  old ;  yet  still  I  have  a  dream- 
ing memory  of  my  mother — a  faint  recollection  of  one  at 
whose  knees  I  used,  each  night,  to  hold  up  my  little  hands 
in  orison,  and  who  blessed  her  child  as  she  laid  him  to 
repose. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  141 

But  I  lost  those  whose  precepts  might  have  been  valu- 
able to  me  in  after-life,  and  was  left  to  the  guardianship  of 
one  who  thought  that,  in  attending  to  my  worldly  in- 
terests, he  fulfilled  the  whole  duty  which  was  required 
of  him.  My  education  was  not  neglected,  but  there  was 
no  one  to  advise  me  upon  points  of  more  serious  import- 
ance. Naturally  of  a  fiery  and  impatient  temper, — endued 
with  a  perseverance  which  was  only  increased  by  the 
obstacles  which  presented  themselves,  I  encouraged  any 
feeling  to  be  working  in  my  mind  in  preference  to  repose, 
which  was  hateful.  To  such  excess  did  it  arrive  as  I  grew 
up,  that  difficulty  and  danger,  even  pain  and  remorse,  were 
preferable  to  that  calm  sunshine  of  the  breast  which  others 
consider  so  enviable.  I  could  exist  but  by  strong  sensa- 
tions :  remove  them,  and  I  felt  as  does  the  habitual 
drunkard  in  the  morning,  until  his  nerves  have  been  again 
stimulated  by  a  repetition  of  his  draughts.  My  pursuits 
were  of  the  same  tendency  :  constant  variety  and  change  of 
scene  were  what  I  coveted.  I  felt  a  desire  "to  be  im- 
prisoned in  the  viewless  winds,  and  blown  with  restless 
violence  about  the  pendent  world."  At  night  I  was  happy ; 
for  as  soon  as  sleep  had  sealed  my  eyes,  I  invariably 
dreamt  that  I  had  the  power  of  aerostation,  and,  in  my 
imagination,  cleaved  through  the  air  with  the  strength  of 
an  eagle,  soaring  above  my  fellow-creatures,  and  looking 
down  upon  them  and  their  ceaseless  drudgery  with  con- 
tempt. 

To  a  mind  thus  constituted  by  nature,  and  unchecked 
by  counsel,  it  is  not  surprising  that  the  darling  wish  and 
constant  idea  was  to  roam  the  world ;  and  the  vast  ocean, 
which  offered  to  me  the  means  of  gratifying  my  passion, 
was  an  object  of  love  and  adoration.  If  I  had  not  the 
wings  of  the  eagle  with  which  fancy  had  supplied  me 
in  my  dreams,  still  I  could  fly  before  the  wings  of  the 
wind,  and,  as  in  my  aerial  excursions  when  asleep,  leave 
no  track  behind.  As  soon  as  I  had  arrived  at  the  age 
which  allowed  me  to  take  possession  of  my  property,  I 
sought  the  element  so  congenial  to  my  disposition.     For 


142  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

some  years  I  continued  the  profession,  and  was  fortunate 
in  my  speculations  j  but  I  cared  little  for  gain ;  my  delight 
was  in  roving  from  clime  to  clime,  flying  before  the  gale, 
— in  looking  with  defiance  at  the  vast  mountainous  seas 
which  threatened  to  overwhelm  me, — in  the  roaring  of 
the  wind, — in  the  mad  raging  of  the  surf, — in  the  excite- 
ment of  battle,  even  in  the  destruction  and  disasters  of 
the  wreck. 

It  may  be  a  source  of  astonishment  that  I  arrived  at  the 
age  of  thirty  without  ever  feeling  the  sensation  of  love ; 
but  so  it  was.  This  most  powerful  of  excitements,  which 
was  so  to  influence  my  future  existence,  had  not  yet  been 
called  into  action  :  but  it  was  roused  at  last,  and,  like 
the  hurricane,  swept  every  thing  before  it  in  ruin  and 
desolation.  I  was  at  Cadiz,  where  I  had  arrived  with  a 
valuable  cargo,  when  it  was  proposed  that  I  should  witness 
the  ceremony  of  taking  the  White  Veil.  As  the  young 
woman  who  professed  was  of  a  noble  family,  and  the 
solemnity  was  to  be  conducted  with  the  greatest  splendour, 
I  consented.  The  magnificent  decorations  of  the  church, 
the  harmony  of  the  singing,  the  solemn  pealing  of  the 
organ,  the  splendid  robes  of  the  priests  in  contrast  with 
the  sombre  humility  of  the  friars  and  nuns,  the  tossing  of 
the  censers,  the  ascending  clouds  of  frankincense,  and, 
above  all,  the  extreme  beauty  of  the  fair  devotee, — pro- 
duced feelings  of  interest  which  I  had  not  imagined  could 
have  been  raised  from  any  description  of  pageantry. 
When  the  ceremony  was  over,  I  quitted  the  church  with 
new  and  powerful  sensations,  which  at  the  time  I  could 
not  precisely  analyse.  But  when  I  lay  down  on  my  couch, 
I  perceived  that,  although  the  splendour  of  the  rites  were 
but  faint  in  my  recollection,  the  image  of  the  sweet  girl 
kneeling  before  the  altar  was  engraven  on  my  heart.  I 
felt  an  uneasiness,  a  restlessness,  a  vacuum  in  my  bosom, 
which,  like  that  in  the  atmosphere,  is  the  forerunner  of 
the  tempest.  I  could  not  sleep  ;  but,  tossing  from  one 
side  to  the  other  during  the  whole  night,  rose  the  next 
morning  feverish  and  unrefreshed. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  143 

FoUov/Ing,  as  usual,  the  impulse  of  my  feelings,  I  re- 
paired to  her  relative,  who  had  taken  me  to  witness  the 
ceremony,  and  persuaded  him  to  introduce  me  at  the 
wicket  of  the  convent. 

As  she  had  yet  one  year  of  probation  previous  to  her 
taking  the  final  vows,  which  were  for  ever  to  seclude 
her  from  the  world,  in  seeing  her  there  was  no  difficulty. 
Her  duteous  resignation  to  the  will  of  her  parents,  her 
serene  and  beautiful  countenance,  her  angelic  smile, — all 
contributed  to  the  increase  of  my  passion;  and,  after  an 
hour's  conversation,  I  left  her  with  my  heart  in  a  state 
of  tumult,  of  which  it  is  not  easy  to  express  the  idea. 
My  visits  were  repeated  again  and  again.  In  a  short 
time  I  declared  my  sentiments,  and  found  that  I  was 
listened  to  without  offending.  Before  I  quitted  Cadiz, 
which  my  engagements  rendered  imperative,  I  obtained 
from  her  a  reciprocal  acknowledgment.  And  as  there 
were  still  nine  months  to  pass  away  previous  to  her  de- 
cision upon  a  monastic  life,  before  that  period  had  elapsed, 
I  faithfully  promised  to  return,  and  claim  her  as  my  own. 
As  we  professed  the  same  faith,  and  she  had  only  been 
sacrificed  that  the  possessions  of  her  brother  might  not 
be  diminished  by  the  fortune  which  her  marriage  would 
require,  I  did  not  anticipate  any  objections  from  her 
parents.  I  required  no  dower,  having  more  than  sufficient 
to  supply  her  with  every  luxury.  We  parted ;  our  hands 
trembled  as  we  locked  our  fingers  through  the  grating ; 
our  tears  fell,  but  could  not  be  mingled;  our  lips 
quivered,  but  could  not  meet;  our  hearts  were  beating 
with  excess  of  love;  but  I  could  not  strain  her  in 
my  embrace.  "  In  three  months  more,  Rosina ! "  ex- 
claimed I,  as  I  walked  backward  from  the  grating,  my 
eyes  still  fixed  upon  her.  "Till  then,  farewell,  Henrique! 
Relying  upon  your  faith  and  honour,  I  shall  not  hesitate 
to  cherish  your  dear  image  in  my  heart ; " — and,  overcome 
by  her  feehngs,  Rosina  burst  into  tears,  and  hurried  from 
my  sight. 

I  sailed  with   prosperous  gales,  and   arrived   safely  at 


144  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

my  own  country.  My  ventures  were  disposed  of:  I 
realised  a  large  sum  of  money,  had  completed  all  my 
arrangements,  and  in  a  few  days  intended  to  return  to 
Cadiz,  to  fulfil  my  engagement  with  Rosina.  I  was  in 
the  metropohs,  impatiently  waiting  for  the  remainder  of 
the  freight  to  be  put  on  board  of  the  vessel  in  which 
I  had  taken  my  passage,  when,  one  evening,  as  I  was 
sauntering  in  the  Park,  anticipating  the  bliss  of  rejoining 
the  object  of  my  affection,  I  was  rudely  pushed  aside  by 
a  personage  richly  attired,  who  was  escorting  two  of  the 
ladies  of  the  court.  Fired  at  the  insult,  and,  as  usual, 
acting  upon  the  first  impulse,  I  struck  him  in  the  face,  and 
drew  my  sword — forgetting,  at  the  tim.e  that  I  was  in 
the  precincts  of  the  Palace.  I  was  seized  and  imprisoned : 
my  offence  was  capital ;  my  adversary  a  relation  of  the 
king's.  I  offered  a  large  sum  for  my  release  ;  but  when 
they  found  out  that  I  was  wealthy,  they  rejected,  as  I 
increased,  my  offers,  until  I  was  compelled  to  sacrifice 
one  half  of  my  worldly  possessions  to  escape  from  the 
severity  of  the  Star  Chamber.  But  the  loss  of  property 
was  nothing ;  I  had  still  more  than  enough :  it  was  the 
dreadful  length  of  my  confinement,  during  which  anxiety 
had  swelled  hours  into  days,  and  days  into  months  of 
torture  and  suspense.  I  had  been  incarcerated  more  than 
a  year  before  I  could  obtain  my  release.  When  in  my 
imagination  I  conjured  up  Rosina  lamenting  my  infidelity, 
reproaching  me  in  her  solitude  for  my  broken  vows,  and 
(there  was  madness  in  the  very  thought)  yielding  in  her 
resentment  and  her  grief  to  the  solicitations  of  her  parents, 
and  taking  the  veil, — I  was  frantic  ;  I  tore  my  hair,  beat 
the  walls  of  my  prison,  raved  for  liberty,  and  offered  to 
surrender  up  every  shilling  that  I  possessed. 

**  By  the  beard  of  the  prophet,  this  tires  me,"  exclaimed 
the  pacha.     "  Murakhas,  you  are  dismissed." 
The  Greek  slave  bowed  and  retired. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  145 


Chapter  VIII 

The  next  morning  the  pacha  observed  to  Mustapha,  "I 

have   been   thinking    whether,    as   we    have    no    story,  it 

would  not  be  as  well  to  let  the  Greek  finish  the  story  of 

yesterday  evening." 

"  True,  O  pacha,"  replied  Mustapha,   "  better  is  hard 

fare  than  no  food — if  we  cannot  indulge  in  the  pillau,  we 

must  content  ourselves  with  boiled  rice." 

"It  is  well  said,  Mustapha,  so  let  him  proceed." 

The  Greek  slave  was  then  ordered  in,  and  re-commenced 

as  follows  : — 

Freedom  was  obtained  at  last ;  I  flew  to  the  sea-coast, 
chartered  a  small  vessel,  and  chiding  the  winds  as  we 
scudded  along,  because  they  would  not  blow  with  a  force 
equal  to  my  impetuous  desires,  arrived  at  Cadiz.  It  was 
late  in  the  evening  when  I  disembarked  and  repaired  to 
the  convent ;  so  exhausted  was  I  by  contending  hopes  and 
fears,  that  it  was  with  difficulty  I  could  support  my  own 
weight.  I  tottered  to  the  wicket,  and  demanded  my 
Rosina. 

"  Are  you  a  near  relation,"  inquired  the  portress, 
"  that  you  request  the  presence  of  a  sister  ? "  Her  in- 
terrogation decided  the  point ;  Rosina  had  taken  the 
veil,  had  abjured  the  world  and  me  for  ever.  My  brain 
reeled,  and  I  fell  senseless  on  the  pavement.  Alarmed 
at  the  circumstance,  the  portress  ran  to  the  Lady  Abbess, 
informing  her  that  a  person  had  asked  for  Sister  Rosina, 
and,  receiving  her  answer,  had  fallen  senseless  at  the 
wicket.  Rosina  was  present  at  the  narration ;  her  heart 
told  her  who  it  was  ;  also  told  her  that  I  had  not  been 
faithless.  Joy  at  my  fidelity,  and  grief  at  her  own  pre- 
cipitancy, which  rendered  it  unavailing,  overpowered  her, 
and  she  was  led  to  her  cell  in  a  state  as  pitiable  as 
mine. 


146  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

When  I  recovered  my  senses,  I  found  myself  in  bed. 
I  had  been  there  for  weeks  in  a  state  of  mental  alienation. 
With  reason  and  memory,  misery  returned  ;  but  I  was  no 
longer  in  the  frenzy  of  excitement  ;  my  mind  was  as 
exhausted  as  my  body,  and  I  felt  a  species  of  calm 
despair.  Convinced  that  all  was  lost,  that  an  insuperable 
bar  was  placed  between  Rosina  and  me,  I  reasoned  myself 
into  a  kind  of  philosophy,  and  resolved,  as  soon  as  I 
could  recover  my  strength,  to  fly  from  a  place  which  had 
been  the  scene  of  so  much  anticipated  happiness,  and  of 
so  much  real  woe. 

One  desire  still  remained ;  it  was  to  see  Rosina  previous 
to  my  departure,  that  I  might  explain  the  cause  of  my 
delay.  Conviction  told  me  that  it  was  wrong ;  but  the 
impulse  I  could  not  resist :  had  I  not  yielded  to  it,  I 
should  have  been  unfortunate,  but  not  guilty. 

I  wrote  to  her  upbraiding  her  for  her  precipitation, 
and  imploring  a  final  interview.  Her  answer  was  affect- 
ing— it  brought  showers  of  tears  from  my  eyes,  and 
again  inflamed  my  love.  The  interview  was  refused, 
as  it  could  be  productive  of  no  benefit,  and  would  only 
call  forth  feelings  in  opposition  to  her  duty ;  but  it  was 
so  kindly,  so  gently  negatived,  that  it  was  evident  her 
inclination  was  at  variance  with  her  pen ;  and  on  my 
repeating  the  request,  as  a  proof  that  her  affection  had 
been  sincere,  she  unwillingly  acceded. 

We  met — for  our  misery — for  our  guilt,  we  met. — 
From  that  moment,  I  resolved  never  to  abandon  her — 
religion,  virtue,  morality,  every  feeling  was  borne  away 
by  the  re-appearance  of  the  object  of  my  adoration  ;  and 
before  the  interview  was  over,  I  again  dared  to  breathe 
vows  of  fidelity  to  one  who  had  devoted  herself  to  her 
God.  **  This  cannot  be,  Henrique,"  said  Rosina ;  **  we 
must  meet  no  more ;  reflect,  and  you  will  be  convinced 
of  its  impropriety.  No  dispensation  from  the  vow  will 
be  permitted  by  my  parents — all  hopes  of  union  in  this 
world  are  over — Oh  !  may  we  meet  in  heaven !  "  and 
she  clasped  her  hands  in  anguish  as  she  disappeared. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  147 

I  returned  home,  every  pulse  beating  to  madness. 
Again  I  addressed  her,  imploring  another  meeting ;  but 
received  a  firm  denial.  So  far  from  being  baffled  at  this 
addition  to  the  obstacles  which  presented  themselves,  it 
but  increased  my  determination  to  surmount  them.  To 
overcome  her  duty  to  her  parents,  to  induce  her  to 
trample  on  her  vows  to  God,  to  defy  the  torments  of  the 
Inquisition,  to  release  her  from  bolts  and  bars,  to  escape 
from  a  fortified  and  crowded  city — each  and  every 
difficulty  but  inflamed  my  ardour — every  appeal  of  con- 
science but  added  to  my  wilful  determination. 

Although  hitherto  I  had  abhorred  deceit,  my  first 
act  was  one  of  duplicity.  I  wrote  to  her,  stating  that  I 
had  been  permitted  an  interview  with  her  friends,  and 
had  made  known  to  them  what  had  passed  ;  that  they 
had  listened  to  me,  and  were  disposed  to  yield ;  and 
although  it  was  kept  a  secret  from  her,  in  a  few  months 
her  vows  would  be  dispensed  with. 

How  cruel — how  selfish  was  my  conduct !  but  it 
answered  my  intention.  Buoyed  up  with  the  prospect  of 
future  happiness,  Rosina  no  longer  struggled  against  the 
fatal  passion — no  longer  refused  to  see  me,  and  listen  to  my 
vows  of  eternal  fidelity.  Deeper  and  deeper  did  she  drink 
of  the  intoxicating  draught,  until  it  had  effaced  from  her 
mind,  as  it  had  already  done  from  mine,  every  other  sensa- 
tion than  that  of  love.  Although  I  could  have  kissed  the 
ground  which  she  trod  upon,  and  have  suffered  the  torments 
of  a  martyr  for  her  sake,  it  was  with  the  pleasure  of  a 
demon  that  I  witnessed  my  success,  and  hailed  her  falling 
off  from  religion  and  from  virtue. 

Six  months  had  passed  away,  during  which,  by  bribes 
to  the  portress,  and  the  yielding  of  my  mistress,  I  had 
contrived  to  obtain  admittance  by  night  into  the  convent 
garden.  One  evening  I  informed  her  that  her  parents, 
menaced  by  their  confessor,  had  rescinded  their  promise  to 
me,  and  had  decided  upon  not  obtaining  her  dispensation. 
Every  thing  had  been  prepared,  that  she  might  have  no 
time  for  reflection :  hurried  away  by  her  own  feelings,  my 


148  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

persuasions,  and  my  protestations,  she  consented  to  fly  with 
me  to  my  own  country.  I  bore  the  trembling,  fainting 
girl  in  my  arms — effected  my  escape  from  the  convent  and 
the  city — embarked  on  board  of  a  vessel  which  I  had  ready 
to  weigh  at  a  moment's  warning,  and  was  soon  far  distant 
from  the  port  of  Cadiz. 

It  was  near  midnight  when  we  embarked,  and  I  bore  my 
treasure  down  into  the  cabin  of  the  vessel,  muffled  up  in 
my  cloak.  Her  nun's  dress  had  not  been  laid  aside  ;  for  I 
had  not  provided  myself  with  any  other  change  of  raiment. 

Before  morning  it  blew  fresh.  Rosina,  v/ho,  as  well  as 
I,  had  abandoned  herself  to  that  powerful  love  which 
engrossed  us,  lay  supported  in  my  arms,  when  the  captain 
of  the  vessel,  coming  down  to  speak  to  me,  perceived  that 
she  was  arrayed  in  the  religious  attire.  He  started  when 
he  viewed  it,  and  hastily  quitted  the  cabin.  I  had  a  pre- 
sentiment that  all  was  not  right,  and,  removing  my  arms 
from  Rosina,  repaired  on  deck,  where  I  found  him  in  con- 
sultation with  the  crew.  The  subject  in  agitation  was  their 
immediate  return  to  Cadiz  to  deliver  us  to  the  Inquisition. 
I  resisted  the  suggestion  ;  claimed  the  vessel  as  my  own, 
having  chartered  her,  and  threatened  immediate  death  to 
any  one  who  should  attempt  to  alter  her  course ;  but  it  was 
in  vain.  Their  horror  at  the  sacrilege,  and  their  fear  of 
being  implicated  in,  and  suffering  the  dreadful  penalties 
attending  it,  bore  down  all  my  arguments  5  my  promises 
and  my  threats  were  alike  disregarded. 

I  was  seized,  overpowered,  and  the  vessel  steered  in  for 
land.  I  raved,  stamped,  and  imprecated  in  vain :  at  last  I 
declared  that  we  all  should  suffer  together,  as  I  would 
denounce  them  as  having  been  aware  of  my  intentions,  and 
state  that  it  was  only  in  consequence  of  my  having  refused 
to  submit  to  farther  extortion,  that  they  had  not  fulfilled 
their  agreement.  This  startled  them  -,  for  they  knew  that 
the  Inquisition  gladly  seized  upon  all  pretexts  ;  and  that 
even  if  not  convicted,  their  imprisonment  would  be  long. 
Again  they  consulted ;  and  heaving  the  vessel  to  the  wind, 
they  hoisted  out  the  long  boat.     Having  thrown  into  her  a 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  149 

scanty  supply  of  provisions  and  water,  with  a  few  neces- 
saries, they  brought  up  the  terrified  Rosina  from  the  cabin, 
and,  placing  her  in  the  boat,  released  and  ordered  me  to 
follow.  As  soon  as  I  was  in  the  boat,  they  cut  the  rope 
by  which  it  was  towed,  and  we  were  soon  left  at  a  distance 
astern. 

Glad  to  escape  from  the  cruelty  of  man,  I  cared  little  for 
the  danger  to  which  we  were  subjected  from  the  elements. 
I  consoled  my  frightened  Rosina  j  I  stepped  the  mast, 
hoisted  the  sail,  and  steered  in  a  southerly  direction,  with 
the  intention  of  landing  on  some  part  of  the  African  coast. 
So  far  from  being  alarmed  at  my  situation,  I  felt  happy.  I 
was  in  a  frail  bark ;  but  I  had  within  it  all  that  I  cared  for 
in  this  world.  I  sailed  I  knew  not  where,  but  Rosina  was 
in  my  company ;  I  felt  the  uncertainty  of  our  fate,  but  was 
more  than  compensated  by  the  certainty  of  possession. 
The  wind  rose,  the  sea  ran  high,  and  curled  in  threatening 
foam  ;  we  darted  with  rapidity  before  it ;  and  steering  with 
one  arm,  while  Rosina  was  clasped  in  the  other,  I  delighted 
in  our  romantic  situation ;  and,  pleased  with  the  excitement 
which  it  created,  I  was  blind  to  the  danger  which  we 
encountered. 

For  six  days  we  ran  before  the  wind,  when  an  accumula- 
tion of  clouds  upon  the  southern  horizon  indicated  that  we 
should  have  a  change.  I  had  no  compass  in  the  boat,  but 
had  steered  by  the  sun  during  the  day,  and  by  the  stars 
during  the  night.  I  now  considered  myself  well  to  the 
southward,  and  determined  upon  running  eastward,  that  I 
might  gain  the  African  shore ;  but  the  gale  was  too  strong 
to  permit  me  to  bring  the  broadside  of  my  small  bark  to 
the  wind,  and  I  was  compelled  to  continue  my  course  in  a 
southerly  direction. 

For  the  first  time,  a  sensation  of  alarm  came  over  me  : 
we  had  but  two  days'  more  sustenance,  and  Rosina  was 
worn  out  by  constant  exposure.  I  myself  felt  the  necessity 
of  repose :  it  was  with  difficulty  that  I  could  keep  my  eye- 
lids raised;  every  minute  Nature  imperiously  demanded 
her  rights,  and  I  nodded  at  the  helm. 


150  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

I  was  in  a  melancholy  reverie,  when  I  thought  that  I 
perceived,  as  the  clouds  on  the  horizon  occasionally 
opened,  something  that  had  the  appearance  of  the  summit 
of  a  precipice.  They  closed  again ;  I  watched  them  with 
anxiety  until  they  gradually  rolled  away,  and  discovered 
a  lofty  island,  covered  with  trees  and  verdure  down  to  the 
water's  edge.  I  shouted  with  delight,  and  pointed  it  out 
to  Rosina,  who  answered  my  exultations  with  a  faint 
smile.  My  blood  curdled  at  the  expression  of  her 
countenance  :  for  many  hours  she  had  been  in  deep 
thought ;  and  I  perceived  that  the  smile  was  forced  to 
please  me,  the  intelligence  I  had  imparted  affording  her 
but  little  pleasure.  I  ascribed  it  to  weariness  and  exhaus- 
tion ;  and  hoping  soon  to  be  able  to  relieve  her,  I  steered 
direct  for  the  only  part  of  the  shore  which  promised  us  a 
safe  descent.  In  an  hour  I  was  close  to  it  j  and,  anxious 
to  land  before  dark,  I  steered  the  boat  with  the  sail 
hoisted  through  the  surf,  which  was  much  heavier  than  I 
expected.  As  soon  as  her  bow  struck  the  beach,  the  boat 
was  thrown  on  her  broadside,  and  it  required  all  my 
exertion  to  save  my  beloved,  which  I  did  not  effect  with- 
out our  being  completely  washed  by  the  surf,  which, 
in  a  few  minutes,  dashed  the  boat  to  pieces.  I  bore  her 
to  a  cave  at  a  short  distance  from  where  we  landed  ;  and, 
wrapping  her  up  in  a  cloak  which  I  had  saved  from  the 
boat,  took  away  her  nun's  attire,  and  exposed  it  to  dry 
in  the  powerful  rays  of  the  sun.  I  went  in  search  of  food, 
which  I  soon  obtained :  banana  and  cocoanuts  grew  in 
profusion  and  in  beauty,  and  fresh  water  ran  down  in 
noisy  rills.  I  bore  them  to  her,  and  congratulated  her 
that  we  were  now  beyond  all  pursuit,  and  in  a  spot  which 
promised  to  supply  us  with  all  that  we  required.  She 
smiled  languidly ;  her  thoughts  were  elsewhere.  Her 
clothes  were  dry,  and  I  brought  them  to  her:  she 
shuddered  at  the  sight  of  them,  and  seemed  to  muster 
up  her  resolution  before  she  could  put  them  on.  Night 
closed  in  upon  us,  and  we  remained  in  the  cave :  our 
bed  was  formed  of  the  cloaks  and  the  sail  of  the  boat  • 


The  Paclia  of  Many  Tales  151 

and,  locked  in  each  other's  arms,  separated  from  all  the 
world,  and  living  but  for  each  other,  we  fell  asleep.  The 
morning  broke :  not  a  cloud  was  to  be  seen  through  the 
blue  expanse.  We  walked  out,  and  dwelt  in  silent 
admiration  upon  the  splendour  of  the  scene.  The  island 
was  clothed  in  beauty ;  the  sun  poured  his  genial  rays 
upon  the  wild  fertility  of  nature ;  the  birds  were  warbling 
forth  their  notes  of  joy ;  the  sea  was  calm  and  clear  as  a 
mirror,  reflecting  the  steep  hills  which  towered  above 
each  other.  "  Here  then,  Rosina,"  cried  I,  at  last,  with 
rapture,  "  we  have  all  that  we  require,  blessed  in  each 
other's  love." 

Rosina  burst  into  tears :  "  All — all,  Henrique,  except 
an  approving  conscience,  without  which  I  feel  that  I  can- 
not live.  I  love  you — love  you  dearly — dote  upon  you, 
Henrique  :  you  cannot  doubt  it  after  all  that  has  occurred : 
but  now  that  the  delirium  of  passion  has  subsided, 
conscience  has  been  busy — too  busy,  for  it  has  embittered 
all ;  and  I  feel  that  happiness  is  flown  for  ever.  I  wedded 
myself  to  God ;  I  chose  my  Saviour  as  my  spouse ;  I 
vowed  myself  to  him — was  received  by  him  at  the  altar  5 
and  I  abandoned  this  world  for  that  which  is  to  come. 
What  have  I  done  ? — I  have  been  unfaithful  to  him — left 
him,  to  indulge  a  worldly  passion,  sacrificed  eternity 
for  perishable  mortality,  and  there  is  a  solemn  voice  within 
that  tells  me  I  am  an  outcast  from  all  heavenly  joys.  Bear 
with  me,  dear  Henrique !  I  mean  not  to  reproach  you, 
but  I  must  condemn  myself ; — I  feel  that  I  shall  not  long 
remain  here,  but  be  summoned  before  an  offended  Lord. 

"  Merciful  Saviour  !  "  cried  she,  falling  on  her  knees, 
with  imploring  eyes  to  heaven,  "  punish  him  not — pardon 
him  his  faults  ;  for  what  are  they,  compared  to  mine  ? 
he  made  no  vows,  he  has  committed  no  infidelity,  he  is  not 
the  guilty  one.  Spare  him,  O  Lord,  and  justly  punish  her 
who  has  seduced  him  into  crime  !  " 

My  heart  smote  me  -,  I  threw  myself  on  the  ground, 
and  wept  bitterly.  I  felt  that  it  had  been  my  duplicity 
which  had  destroyed  her  virtuous  resolutions ;  my  selfish- 


152  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

ness  which  had  ruined  her  peace  of  mind  and  had  plunged 
her  into  guilt.  She  knelt  by  me,  persuading  me  to  rise, 
curbing  her  own  feelings  as  she  kissed  the  tears  from  my 
cheeks,  promising  never  to  wound  my  peace  again.  But 
it  was  gone — gone  for  ever  ;  my  crime  burst  on  me  in  all 
its  magnitude ;  I  felt  that  I  had  been  guilty  of  a  grievous 
and  unpardonable  sin,  and  had  ruined  the  one  I  loved 
as  well  as  myself.  She  was  still  on  her  knees ;  kneeling 
by  her  side,  I  prayed  to  offended  heaven  for  mercy  and 
forgiveness.  She  joined  me  in  my  fervent  aspirations ; 
and,  with  the  tears  of  repentance  flowing  down  our 
cheeks,  we  remained  some  time  in  the  attitude  of  supplica- 
tion. At  last  we  rose,  "Do  you  not  feel  happier, 
Rosina  ?  "  inquired  I ;  Rosina  smiled  mournfully  in  reply, 
and  we  returned  to  the  cave. 

For  many  hours  we  spoke  not,  but  remained  in  sad 
communion  with  our  own  thoughts.  The  night  again 
closed  in,  and  we  lay  down  to  repose ;  and,  as  I  clasped 
her  in  my  arms,  I  felt  that  she  shuddered,  and  withdrew. 
I  released  her,  and  retired  to  the  other  side  of  the  cave, 
for  I  knew  her  feelings  and  respected  them.  From  that 
hour  she  was  no  more  to  me  than  a  dear  and  injured  sister ; 
and,  although  her  frame  hourly  wasted  away,  her  spirits 
seemed  gradually  to  revive.  At  the  expiration  of  a 
fortnight,  she  was  too  much  reduced  to  rise  from  her  bed, 
and  I  passed  day  and  night  sitting  by  her  side  in  repentance 
and  in  tears,  for  I  knew  that  she  was  dying.  A  few  hours 
before  she  breathed  her  last  she  appeared  to  recover  a 
little,  and  thus  addressed  me : — 

"Henrique,  within  this  hour  a  balm  has  been  poured 
into  my  breast,  for  a  voice  tells  me  we  are  both  forgiven. 
Great  is  our  crime ;  but  our  repentance  has  been  sincere, 
and  I  feel  assured  that  we  shall  meet  in  heaven.  For  your 
kindness — for  your  unceasing  love,  you  have  my  thanks, 
and  an  attachment  which  heaven  does  not  forbid — for 
now  it  is  pure.  We  have  sinned,  and  we  have  pleaded, 
and  obtained  our  pardon  together :  together  shall  we  be, 
hereafter.     Bless  you,  Henrique  !  pray  for  my  soul,  still 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  153 

clinging  to  its  earthly  love,  but  pardoned  by  him  who 
knows  our  imperfection.  Pure  Mother  of  God,  plead  for 
me !  Holy  Saviour,  who  despised  not  the  tears  and 
contrition  of  the  Magdalen,  receive  an  unfaithful,  but 
repentant  spouse  unto  your  bosom ;  for  when  I  made  my 
vow,  thou  knowest  that  my  heart — " 

With  what  agony  of  grief  did  I  hang  over  the  body ! 
with  what  bitter  tears  did  I  wash  the  clay-cold  face,  so 
beautiful,  so  angelic  in  its  repose  !  In  the  morning,  I  dug 
her  grave ;  and  cleansing  my  hands,  which  were  bleeding, 
from  the  task,  returned  to  the  corpse,  and  bore  it,  in  its 
nun's  attire,  to  the  receptacle  which  I  had  prepared.  I 
laid  it  in ;  and,  collecting  the  flowerets  which  blossomed 
round,  strewed  them  over,  and  watched  till  sunset ;  when 
I  covered  her  up,  laying  the  earth,  in  small  handfuls,  as 
lightly  on  her  dear  remains,  as  the  mother  would  the 
coverlid  upon  her  sleeping  babe.  Long  it  was  before  I 
could  prevail  on  myself  to  soil  that  heavenly  face,  or  hide 
it  from  my  aching  eyes.  "When  I  had,  I  felt  that  Rosina 
was  indeed  no  more,  and  that  I  was  indeed  alone. 

For  two  years  I  remained  in  solitude.  I  erected  a  rude 
chapel  over  her  grave,  and  there  passed  my  days  in  penance 
and  contrition.  Vessels  belonging  to  other  nations  visited 
the  island,  and  returning  home  with  the  intelligence,  it 
was  taken  possession  of  and  colonised.  To  their  astonish- 
ment, they  found  me ;  and,  when  I  narrated  my  story  and 
my  wishes,  allowed  me  a  passage  to  their  country.  Once 
more  I  embarked  on  the  trackless  wave,  no  longer  my 
delight ;  and  as  the  shore  receded,  I  watched  the  humble 
edifice  which  I  had  raised  over  the  remains  of  my  Rosina : 
it  appeared  to  me  as  if  a  star  had  settled  over  the  spot, 
and  I  hailed  it  as  an  harbinger  of  grace.  When  I  landed, 
I  repaired  to  the  convent  to  which  I  now  belong ;  and, 
taking  the  vows  of  abstinence  and  mortification,  have 
passed  the  remainder  of  my  days  in  masses  for  the  soul  of 
my  Rosina,  and  prayers  for  my  own  redemption. 

Such  is  the  history  of  Henrique ;  and  may  it  be  a  warn- 
ing to  those  who  allow  their  reason  to  be  seduced  by  pas- 


154  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

sion,  and  check  not  the  first  impulse  towards  wrong,  when 
conscience  dictates  that  they  are  straying  from  the  paths 
of  virtue ! 

**  Holy  Allah  !  "  exclaimed  the  pacha,  yawning ;  **  is 
this  the  buibul  singing  to  the  rose  ? — What  is  it  all  about, 
Mustapha  ?  or  what  is  it  written  for,  but  to  send  one 
asleep  ?  Murakhas,  you  are  dismissed,"  continued  the 
pacha  to  the  Greek  slave,  who  retired. 

Mustapha,  who  perceived  that  the  pacha  was  disappointed 
in  the  entertainment  of  the  evening,  immediately  addressed 
him  : — "  The  soul  of  your  sublime  highness  is  sad,  and  the 
mind  is  wearied. — What  says  the  sage  ?  and  are  not  his 
words  of  more  value  than  large  pearls  ?  *  When  thou  art 
sick,  and  thy  mind  is  heavy,  send  for  wine.  Drink,  and 
thank  Allah  that  he  has  given  relief.' " 

"Wallah  Thaib ! — it  is  well  said,"  replied  the  pacha: 
"  Is  not  the  *  fire-water '  of  the  Franks  to  be  obtained  ?  " 

"  Is  not  the  earth,  and  what  the  earth  contains,  made 
for  your  sublime  highness  ? "  replied  Mustapha,  drawing 
from  his  vest  a  bottle  of  spirits. 

"  God  is  great ! "  said  the  pacha,  taking  the  bottle  from 
his  mouth,  after  a  long  draught,  and  handing  it  to  his 
vizier. 

"  God  is  most  merciful !  "  replied  Mustapha,  recovering 
his  breath,  and  wiping  down  his  beard  with  the  sleeve  of 
his  kalaat,  as  he  respectfully  passed  the  bottle  over  to  his 
superior. 


Chapter   IX 

"  Hham  d'illah !  Praise  be  to  God ! "  exclaimed  the 
pacha,  as  the  divan  closed.  "  This  is  dry  work,  hearing 
petitions  for  three  hours,  and  not  a  sequin  to  my  treasury. 
Mustapha,  has  the  renegade  come  back  ? " 

"  The  Kafir  waits  to  kiss  the  dust  of  your  sublime  feet," 
replied  the  vizier. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  155 

"Let  him  approach,  then,  Mustapha,"  said  the  pacha 
joyfully,  and  the  renegade  immediately  made  his  ap- 
pearance. 

"  Kosh  amedeid,  you  are  welcome.  Huckaback.  We 
have  had  our  ears  poisoned  since  you  quitted  us.  I  forget 
where  it  was  that  you  left  off." 

"May  it  please  your  highness,  at  the  ending  of  my 
second  voyage,  in  which " 

"  I  remember — when  the  Prankish  woman  god,  stopped 
the  leak.     You  may  proceed." 

The  renegade  bowed,  and  commenced  his  third  voyage, 
as  follows  : — 

"I  believe  that  I  stated  to  your  highness,  at  the  end  of 
my  second  voyage,  I  determined  to  go  to  Toulon,  and 
make  some  inquiry  after  my  dear  Cerise." 

**  I  recollect  you  did,"  interrupted  the  pacha,  **  but  I 
tell  you  again,  as  I  told  you  before,  that  I  want  to  know 
nothing  about  her.  Have  the  goodness  to  skip  all  that 
part,  or  it  will  be  five  sequins  out  of  your  girdle." 

"  Your  highness  shall  be  obeyed,"  replied  the  renegade, 
who,  after  musing  a  short  time,  continued. 


THIRD   VOYAGE    OF   HUCKABACK. 

I  was  so  affected  at  the  intelligence  of  Cerise  having 
destroyed  herself,  that  I  found  it  impossible  to  remain  on 
shore.  Having  met  with  the  captain  of  a  whaler,  who 
expatiated  on  the  fortune  which  might  be  realised  by  em- 
barking in  the  speculation,  I  purchased  a  large  ship,  and 
fitted  it  out  for  a  voyage  to  Baffin's  Bay.  This  consumed 
all  the  money  I  had  left,  but  as  I  expected  to  return  with 
ten  times  the  sum,  I  made  no  scruple  of  parting  with  it. 

My  crew  consisted  of  about  thirty  men,  all  strong 
fellows  ;  ten  of  them  Englishmen,  and  the  remainder  from 
my  own  country.  We  stood  to  the  northward,  until  we 
reached  the  ice,  which  floated  high  as  mountains,  and 
steering  in  between  it,  we  at  last  came  to  a  fine  open 


156  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

water,  where  a  large  quantity  of  whales  were  blowing  in 
every  direction.  Our  boats  were  soon  hoisted  out,  and  we 
were  extremely  fortunate,  having  twenty-three  fish  on 
board,  and  boiled  down  before  the  season  was  over. 

I  now  considered  my  fortune  made ;  and  the  ship  being 
full  up  to  the  beams,  we  made  all  sail  to  return  home. 
But  a  heavy  gale  came  on  from  the  southward,  which 
drove  all  the  ice  together,  and  our  ship  with  it,  and  we 
were  in  great  danger  of  being  squeezed  to  atoms.  For- 
tunately, we  made  fast  in  a  bight,  on  the  lee  side  of  a 
great  iceberg,  which  preserved  us,  and  we  anxiously 
awaited  for  the  termination  of  the  gale,  to  enable  us  to 
proceed.  But  when  the  gale  subsided,  a  hard  frost  came 
on,  and  we  were  completely  frozen  up,  where  we  lay — the 
ice  formed  round  to  the  depth  of  several  feet,  and  lifted 
the  ship,  laden  as  she  was,  out  of  the  water. 

The  English,  who  were  experienced  fishermen,  told  us, 
that  we  had  no  chance  of  being  released  until  next  spring. 
I  ascended  to  the  mast-head,  and  perceived  that  for  miles, 
as  far  as  the  eye  could  scan  the  horizon,  there  was  nothing 
but  one  continued  succession  of  icebergs  and  floes  in- 
separably united.  Despairing,  therefore,  of  any  release, 
until  the  cold  weather  should  break  up,  I  made  all  arrange- 
ments for  remaining  during  the  winter.  Our  provisions 
were  very  short,  and  we  were  obliged  to  make  use  of  the 
whale  oil,  but  it  soon  produced  such  dysenteries,  that  it 
was  no  longer  resorted  to. 

After  two  months,  the  cold  became  intense,  and  our 
fuel  ran  short.  At  the  end  of  three  months  the  crew 
complained  of  scurvy,  and  could  not  move  about  the 
decks.  At  the  end  of  the  fourth  month,  they  had  all  died 
except  the  chief  harpooner,  a  fat  porpus  of  an  Englishman, 
and  myself. 

The  bodies  remained  on  the  deck,  for  the  cold  was  so 
intense  that  they  would  not  have  been  tainted  for  centuries  ; 
and,  as  at  the  end  of  five  months,  the  provisions  were  all 
expended,  we  were  again  obliged  to  resort  to  the  whale 
oil. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  157 

The  whale  oil  produced  a  return  of  our  complaints,  and 
having  no  other  resource,  we  were  forced  by  imperious 
hunger  to  make  our  repasts  from  one  of  the  bodies  of  our 
dead  shipmates.  They  were  so  hard,  that  it  was  with 
difficulty  that  we  could  separate  a  portion  with  an  axe,  and 
the  flesh  broke  off  in  fragments,  as  if  we  had  been  splitting 
a  piece  of  granite ;  but  it  thawed  before  the  fire,  which 
we  had  contrived  to  keep  alight,  by  supplying  it  from  the 
bulwarks  of  the  quarter-deck,  which  we  cut  away  as  we 
required  them.  The  old  harpooner  and  I  lived  together 
on  the  best  terms  for  a  month,  during  which  we  seldom 
quitted  the  cabin  of  the  vessel,  having  now  drawn  down 
the  third  dead  body,  which  we  cut  up  as  we  required  it 
with  less  difficulty  than  before,  from  the  change  in  the 
weather. 

The  ice  continued  breaking  up,  and  all  day  and  night 
we  were  startled  at  the  loud  crashing  which  took  place,  as 
the  icebergs  separated  from  each  other.  But  my  disgust 
at  feeding  upon  human  flesh  produced  a  sort  of  insanity. 
I  had  always  been  partial  to  good  eating,  and  was  by  no 
means  an  indifferent  cook  ;  and  I  determined  to  try  whether 
something  more  palatable  could  not  be  provided  for  our 
meals  ;  the  idea  haunted  me  day  and  night,  and  at  last  I 
imagined  myself  a  French  restaurateur;  I  tied  a  cloth 
before  me  as  an  apron,  put  on  a  cotton  nightcap  instead  of 
my  fur  cap,  and  was  about  to  make  a  trial  of  my  skill, 
when  I  discovered  that  I  had  no  lard,  no  fat  of  any  kind 
except  train  oil,  which  I  rejected  as  not  being  suitable  to 
the  "  cuisine  Francaise"  My  messmates  who  lay  dead, 
were  examined  one  by  one,  but  they  had  fallen  away  so 
much  previous  to  their  decease,  that  not  a  symptom  of  fat 
was  to  be  perceived.  Without  fat  I  could  do  nothing  ; 
and  as  I  thought  of  it  in  despair,  my  eye  was  caught  by 
the  rotundity  of  paunch  which  still  appertained  to  the 
English  harpooner,  the  only  living  being  besides  myself 
out  of  so  many.  "  I  must  have  fat,"  cried  I  fiercely,  as  I 
surveyed  his  unwieldy  carcase.  He  started  when  he  ob- 
served the  rolling  of  my  eyes,  and  perceiving  that  I  was 


158  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

advancing  towards  him,  sharpening  my  knife,  he  did  not 
think  it  prudent  to  trust  himself  longer  in  my  company. 
Snatching  up  two  or  three  blankets,  he  ran  on  deck,  and 
contrived  to  ascend  to  the  main-top  before  I  could  follow 
him.  There  he  held  me  at  bay,  and  I  continued  watching 
him  from  below  with  my  large  carving  knife  in  my  hand, 
which  I  occasionally  whetted.  He  remained  aloft  all  night, 
and  so  did  I  on  deck,  to  get  possession  of  him  when  he 
should  descend.  I  was  so  eager  in  my  frenzy  to  obtain 
him,  that  I  felt  neither  cold  nor  hunger  j  the  weather 
during  the  day  was  now  warm  enough  to  be  pleasant,  but 
the  nights  were  piercing.  My  fat  shipmate  remained  in 
the  top  for  three  days  and  nights,  during  which  period  I 
never  removed  from  my  post.  At  the  close  of  the  third 
day  he  looked  over  the  top  brim,  and  implored  my  mercy. 
When  he  showed  himself  I  hardly  knew  him,  so  much  had 
he  wasted  away,  and  it  then  struck  me,  that  if  he  remained 
aloft  much  longer  he  would  have  no  more  fat  than  the 
others,  and  would  not  serve  my  purpose.  I  therefore 
pledged  him  my  honour,  that  I  would  not  attempt  his  life 
for  ten  days  ;  and  as  he  was  perishing  with  the  cold,  he 
agreed  to  the  armistice,  and  once  more  descended  to  the 
deck.  But  I  was  saved  the  crime  of  murder,  for  he  was  so 
ravenous  when  he  came  down,  that  he  ate  nearly  the  whole 
of  a  man's  leg,  and  died  from  repletion  during  the  night. 
I  cannot  express  to  your  highness  the  satisfaction  that  I 
felt  at  finding  that  the  carcase  of  the  harpooner  was  in  my 
possession.  I  surveyed  my  treasure  over  and  over  again 
with  delight.  I  could  now  cook  my  French  dishes.  He 
was  soon  dissected,  and  all  his  unctuous  parts  carefully 
melted  down,  and  I  found  that  I  had  a  stock  which  would 
last  me  as  long  as  the  bodies  which  I  had  remaining  to 
exercise  my  skill  upon.  The  first  day  I  succeeded  ad- 
mirably— I  cooked  my  dishes  ;  and  when  they  were  ready 
I  took  off  my  night-cap  and  apron,  passed  my  fingers 
through  my  hair,  and  fancied  myself  a  gar9on  at  a  restaura- 
teur's. I  laid  the  cloth,  put  the  dishes  on  the  table,  and 
when  it  was  complete,  went  on  deck  and  then  returned  as 
the  bon  vivant  who  had  ordered  the  dinner. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  .159 

Never  was  any  meal  so  delicious  to  my  insane  fancy. 
I  devoured  every  thing  which  I  cooked,  and  drank  water 
for  champagne.  I  meditated  upon  what  I  should  have  for 
dinner  on  the  ensuing  day,  and  then  retired  to  my  bed. 
In  the  meantime  the  ice  had  separated,  and  the  ship  was 
again  afloat ;  but  I  cared  not :  all  my  ideas  were  concen- 
trated in  the  pleasures  of  the  table — and  the  next  morning 
I  went  on  deck  to  obtain  a  piece  of  meat,  when  I  was 
astonished  at  a  terrific  growl.  I  turned  my  head  and  per- 
ceived an  enormous  white  bear,  who  was  making  sad 
depredations  in  my  larder,  having  nearly  finished  the 
whole  body  of  one  of  my  dead  shipmates.  He  was  as 
large  as  an  ox,  so  large  that  when  he  made  a  rush  at  me, 
and  I  slipped  down  the  ladder,  he  could  not  follow  me. 
I  again  looked  up,  and  perceived  that  he  had  finished  his 
meal.  After  walking  round  the  decks  two  or  three  times, 
smelling  at  every  thing,  he  plunged  overboard  and  dis- 
appeared. 

Glad  to  be  rid  of  so  unpleasant  a  visitor,  I  came  up,  and 
cutting  off  the  meat  I  required,  again  exerted  my  cookery, 
was  again  satisfied  and  went  to  sleep.  I  never  felt  so 
happy  as  I  then  did  in  my  insane  condition.  All  I  thought 
of,  all  I  wished,  I  could  command — my  happiness  was 
concentrated  in  eating  my  fellow-creatures,  cooked  in  a 
proper  manner,  instead  of  the  usual  method  of  bolting 
them  down  to  satisfy  the  cravings  of  imperious  hunger. 
1  woke  the  next  morning  as  usual,  and  when  I  crawled  on 
deck,  was  again  saluted  with  the  angry  growl  of  the  bear, 
who  was  busy  making  a  repast  upon  another  body — when 
he  had  finished  he  plunged  into  the  sea  as  before. 

I  now  thought  it  high  time  to  put  an  end  to  these  depre- 
dations on  my  larder,  which  in  a  few  days  would  have  left 
me  destitute.  My  invention  was  called  into  action,  and  I 
hit  upon  a  plan,  which  I  thought  would  succeed.  I  dragged 
all  the  bodies  to  the  after  part  of  the  quarter-deck,  and 
blocked  it  up  before  the  cabin-hatch  with  swabs  and  small 
sails,  so  as  to  form  a  sort  of  dam  about  eight  inches  high. 
I  then  went  below  and  brought  up  forty  or  fifty  buckets 


i6o  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

of  train  oil,  which  I  poured  upon  the  deck  abaft,  so  that  it 
was  covered  with  oil  to  the  height  of  several  inches.  On 
the  ensuing  morning  the  bear  came  as  I  expected,  and 
commenced  his  repast ;  I  had  stationed  myself  aloft,  in  the 
mizen-top,  with  several  buckets  of  oil,  which  I  poured 
upon  him.  His  fur  was  otherwise  well  saturated  with 
what  he  had  collected  when  he  lay  down  on  the  deck  to 
devour  one  of  the  bodies  more  at  his  ease.  When  I  had 
poured  all  my  buckets  of  oil  over  him  but  one,  I  threw  the 
empty  buckets  down  upon  him.  This  enraged  him,  and  he 
mounted  the  rigging  to  be  revenged.  I  waited  until  he  had 
arrived  at  the  futtock  shrouds,  when  I  poured  my  last 
bucket  upon  him,  which  quite  blinded  him,  and  then  gained 
the  deck  by  sliding  down  the  back  stays  on  the  opposite 
side. 

A  bear  can  climb  fast,  but  is  very  slow  in  his  descent — 
the  consequence  was  that  I  had  plenty  of  time  for  my 
arrangements.  I  ran  below,  and  lighting  a  torch  of  oakum, 
which  I  had  prepared  in  readiness,  placed  it  to  his  hinder 
quarters  as  he  descended.  The  effect  was  exactly  what  I 
had  anticipated  ;  his  thick  fur,  covered  in  every  part  with 
oil,  was  immediately  in  a  blaze,  and  burnt  with  such 
rapidity,  that  before  he  could  recover  his  feet  on  deck,  he 
was  like  an  immense  ball  of  fire.  I  retreated  to  the  com- 
panion-hatch to  watch  his  motions.  His  first  act  was  to 
return  to  the  quarter-deck  and  roll  himself  in  the  oil,  with 
an  idea  of  quenching  the  flames,  but  this  added  fuel  to 
them,  and  the  animal  roaring  in  his  agony  at  last  jumped 
into  the  sea  and  disappeared. 

Having  thus  rid  myself  of  my  intruder  I  returned  to  my 
cooking.  The  ship  was  now  clear  of  ke,  the  weather  was 
warm,  the  bodies  of  my  shipmates  emitted  a  fetid  smell, 
but  I  saw  and  smelt  nothing ;  all  that  I  observed  was  that 
the  barley  which  had  been  scattered  on  the  deck  by  the 
fowls,  had  sprung  up  about  the  decks,  and  I  congratulated 
myself  upon  the  variety  it  would  give  to  my  culinary  pur- 
suits. I  continued  to  cook,  to  eat,  and  to  sleep  as  before, 
when  a  circumstance  occurred,  which  put  an  end  to  all  my 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  i6i 

culinary  madness.  One  night  I  found  the  water  washing 
by  the  side  of  my  standing  bed-place  in  the  cabin,  and 
jumping  out  in  alarm  to  ascertain  the  cause,  I  plunged  over 
head  and  ears.  The  fact  was,  that  the  ship,  when  lifted 
by  the  ice,  had  sprung  a  leak  which  had  gradually  filled 
her  without  my  perceiving  it.  My  fear  of  drowning  was 
so  great,  that  I  ran  into  the  very  danger  which  I  would 
have  avoided.  I  darted  out  of  the  cabin  windows  into  the 
sea,  whereas  had  I  gone  upon  deck  I  should  have  beea 
safe  :  for  a  little  reflection  might  have  told  me  that  a  vessel 
laden  with  oil  could  not  have  sunk — but  reflection  came 
too  late,  and  benumbed  with  the  coldness  of  the  waters,  I 
could  have  struggled  but  a  few  seconds  more,  when  I 
suddenly  came  in  contact  with  a  spar  somewhat  bigger  than 
a  boat's  mast.  I  seized  it  to  support  myself,  and  was  sur- 
prised at  finding  it  jerked  from  me  occasionally,  as  if  there 
was  somebody  else  who  had  hold  of  it,  and  who  wished  ta 
force  me  to  let  it  go ;  but  it  was  quite  dark,  and  I  could 
distinguish  nothing.  I  clung  to  it  until  daylight  appeared, 
when  what  was  my  horror  to  perceive  an  enormous  shark 
close  to  me.  I  nearly'  let  go  my  hold  and  sunk,  so 
paralysed  was  I  with  fear,  I  anticipated  every  moment  to 
feel  his  teeth  crushing  me  in  half,  and  I  shut  my  eyes  that 
I  might  not  add  to  the  horrors  of  my  death  by  being  a. 
witness  to  the  means.  Some  minutes  had  elapsed,  which 
appeared  to  me  as  so  many  hours,  when  surprised  at  being 
still  alive,  I  ventured  to  open  my  eyes.  The  shark  was 
still  at  the  same  distance  from  me,  and  on  examination  I 
perceived  that  the  boat's  mast  or  spar,  to  which  I  was 
clinging,  had  been  passed  through  his  nose  in  a  transverse 
direction,  being  exactly  balanced  on  either  side.  The  shark 
was  of  the  description  found  in  the  North  Seas,  which  is 
called  by  the  sailors  the  blind  shark.  I  now  perfectly 
understood  that  he  had  been  caught  and  spritsail  yarded,  as 
the  seamen  term  it,  and  then  turned  adrift  for  their  diver- 
sion. The  buoyancy  of  the  spar  prevents  the  animal  from 
sinking  down  under  the  water,  and  this  punishment  of  their 
dreaded  enemy  is  a  very  favourite  amusement  of  sailors. 

P  L 


1 62  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

I  summoned  up  all  my  courage,  and  being  tired  of  hold- 
ing on  by  the  spar,  resolved  to  mount  upon  his  back,  which 
I  accomplished  without  difficulty,  and  I  found  the  seat  on 
his  shoulders  before  the  dorsal  fin,  not  only  secure  but 
very  comfortable.  The  animal,  unaccustomed  to  carry 
weight,  made  several  attempts  to  get  rid  of  me,  but  not 
being  able  to  sink  I  retained  my  seat.  He  then  increased 
his  velocity,  and  we  went  on  over  a  smooth  sea,  at  the  rate 
of  about  three  knots  an  hour.  For  two  days  I  continued 
my  course  to  the  southward,  upon  my  novel  conveyance, 
during  which  I  had  nothing  to  eat  except  a  few  small 
barnacles,  and  some  parasitical  vermin,  peculiar  to  the 
animal,  which  I  discovered  under  his  fins.  I  also  found  a 
small  remora,  or  sucking  fish,  near  his  tail,  but  when  I  put 
it  to  my  mouth,  it  fixed  itself  so  firmly  on  both  my  lips  that 
I  thought  they  were  sealed  for  ever.  No  force  could 
detach  it,  and  there  it  hung  like  a  padlock  for  many  hours, 
to  my  great  mortification  and  annoyance,  but  at  last  it  died 
from  being  so  long  out  of  water,  and  when  it  dropped  oiF 
I  devoured  it. 

On  the  third  day  I  observed  land  at  a  distance ;  it 
appeared  to  be  an  island,  but  I  had  no  idea  what  it  could 
he.  My  steed  continued  his  course  straight  towards  it, 
and  being  blind  ran  his  nose  right  upon  the  shore ;  before 
he  found  out  his  mistake  I  slipped  off  his  back,  and  climb- 
ing the  steep  side  of  the  island,  was  once  more,  as  I 
thought,  on  terra  firm.  Tired  with  long  watching,  I 
lay  down  and  fell  fast  asleep. 

I  was  awakened  by  something  touching  me  on  the 
shoulder,  and  opening  my  eyes,  I  perceived  that  I  was 
surrounded  by  several  people,  whom  I  naturally  inferred 
to  be  the  natives  of  the  island.  They  were  clad  in  dresses, 
which  appeared  to  me  to  be  made  of  black  leather,  con- 
sisting of  a  pair  of  trousers,  and  a  long  pea-jacket,  very 
similar  to  those  worn  by  the  Esquimaux  Indians,  which 
we  occasionally  fell  in  with  in  the  Northern  Ocean. 
They  each  held  a  long  harpoon,  formed  entirely  of  bone, 
in  their  right  hands. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  163 

I  was  not  a  little  surprised  at  being  addressed  in  the 
Patois  dialect  of  the  Basques  in  my  own  country,  which 
is  spoken  about  Bayonne  and  other  parts  adjacent  to  the 
Pyrennees.  To  their  questions  I  answered  that  I  was 
the  only  survivor  of  the  crew  of  a  whaler,  which  had 
been  frozen  up  in  the  ice,  during  the  winter;  that  she 
had  filled  with  water,  and  that  I  had  saved  myself  upon 
the  back  of  a  shark. 

They  expressed  no  surprise  at  my  unheard-of  convey- 
ance to  the  island ;  on  the  contrary,  they  merely  observed, 
that  sharks  were  too  vicious  to  ride ;  and  asked  me  to 
accompany  them  to  their  town,  an  invitation  which  I 
gladly  accepted.  As  I  walked  along  I  observed  that  the 
island  was  composed  of  white  porous  pumice  stone, 
without  the  least  symptoms  of  vegetation ;  not  even  a 
piece  of  moss  could  I  discover — nothing  but  the  bare 
pumice  stone,  with  thousands  of  beautiful  green  lizards, 
about  ten  inches  long,  playing  about  in  every  part.  The 
Toad  was  steep,  and  in  several  parts  the  rock  was  cut 
into  steps  to  enable  you  to  ascend.  After  an  hour's 
fatiguing  walk,  which  I  never  should  have  accomplished 
in  my  weak  state,  without  the  assistance  of  the  islanders, 
we  arrived  at  the  summit.  The  view  which  met  my  eyes 
was  striking.  I  was  on  the  peak  of  a  chain  of  hills, 
forming  an  immense  amphitheatre,  encircling  a  valley 
which  appeared  about  fifteen  miles  in  diameter,  and  the 
major  part  of  which  was  occupied  by  a  lake  of  water. 

I  could  discern  what  appeared  to  be  the  habitations 
of  men  on  different  parts  of  the  lake  j  but  there  was  not 
a  tree  or  a  shrub  to  be  seen. 

**What,"  demanded  I  of  the  man  who  appeared  to  take 
the  lead  of  the  rest  of  the  party,  "have  you  no  trees 
here?" 

"None  whatever;  and  yet  we  can  do  very  well  with- 
out them.  Do  you  not  observe  that  there  is  no  mould ; 
that  the  island  is  composed  entirely  of  pumice  stone  ? " 

"  I  do,"  replied  I.  "  Pray  what  is  the  name  of  your 
barren  spot — and  in  what  part  of  the  world  are  we  ? " 


164  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  As  for  its  name,  we  call  it  Whale  Island/'  replied  the 
man ;  "  but  as  for  where  we  are,  we  cannot  exactly  tell 
ourselves,  for  we  are  a  floating  island,  being  composed 
entirely  of  pumice  stone,  whose  specific  gravity,  as  you 
must  know,  is  much  lighter  than  that  of  water." 

"  How  strange,"  observed  I ;  "I  cannot  believe  that 
you  are  in  earnest." 

"  And  yet  not  quite  so  strange  as  you  imagine,"  replied 
my  conductor.  "  If  you  examine  the  structure  of  this 
island,  from  where  you  now  stand,  you  will  perceive  at 
once,  that  it  has  been  the  crater  of  some  large  volcano. 
It  is  easy  to  imagine,  that  after  having  reared  its  head 
above  the  surface  of  the  sea,  by  some  of  those  sudden 
caprices  of  ever-working  nature,  the  base  has  again  sunk 
down,  leaving  the  summit  of  the  crater  floating  on  the 
ocean.  Such  is  our  opinion  of  the  formation  of  this 
island;  and  I  doubt  whether  your  geologists  on  the 
continent  would  produce  a  more  satisfactory  theory." 

"What?  you  have  communicated  with  Europe,  then?'* 
cried  I,  delighted  at  the  hopes  of  return. 

"  We  have  had  communication,  but  we  do  not  com- 
municate again.  In  the  winter  time,  this  island,  which, 
strange  as  it  may  appear  to  you,  does  not  change  its 
position  many  hundred  miles  in  the  course  of  centuries, 
is  enclosed  with  the  icebergs  in  the  north :  when  the 
spring  appears,  we  are  disengaged,  and  then  drift  a 
degree  or  two  to  the  southward,  seldom  more." 

"  Are  you  not  then  affected  by  the  winds  and  tides  ?" 

**  Of  course  we  are :  but  there  is  a  universal  balance 
throughout  nature,  and  everything  finds  its  level.  There 
is  order,  when  there  appears  disorder — and  no  stream 
runs  in  one  direction,  without  a  counter  stream,  to  restore 
the  equilibrium.  Upon  the  whole,  what  with  the  under 
currents,  and  the  changes  which  continually  take  place, 
I  should  say  that  we  are  very  little,  if  at  all,  affected  by 
the  tides — which  may  be  considered  as  a  sort  of  exercise, 
prescribed  by  nature  to  keep  the  ocean  in  good  health. 
The  same  may  be  affirmed  with  respect   to  the  winds. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  165 

Wind  is  a  substance,  as  well  as  water,  capable  of  great 
expansion,  but  still  a  substance.  A  certain  portion  has 
been  allotted  to  the  world  for  its  convenience,  and  there 
is  a  regularity  in  its  apparent  variability.  It  must  be 
self-evident,  when  all  the  wind  has  been  collected  to  the 
eastward,  by  the  north-west  gales  which  prevail  in  winter, 
that  it  must  be  crowded  and  penned  up  in  that  quarter, 
and,  from  its  known  expansive  powers,  must  return  and 
restore  the  equilibrium.  That  is  the  reason  that  we  have 
such  a  long  continuance  of  easterly  winds,  in  the  months 
of  February  and  March." 

"  You  said  that  you  had  communication  with  Europe  ?  " 

"  We  have  occasionally  visits  perforce,  from  those  who 
are  cast  away  in  ships  or  boats ;  but  the  people  who  come 
here,  have  never  returned.  The  difficulty  of  leaving  the 
island  is  very  great :  and  we  flatter  ourselves,  that  few 
who  have  remained  any  time  with  us,  have  ever  felt  the 
desire." 

"What — not  to  leave  a  barren  rock,  without  even  a 
blade  of  grass  upon  it." 

"  Happiness,"  replied  my  conductor,  "  does  not  consist 
in  the  variety  of  your  possessions,  but  in  being  contented 
with  what  you  have  " — and  he  commenced  the  descent  of 
the  hill. 

I  followed  him  in  a  melancholy  mood,  for  I  could 
imagine  little  comfort  in  such  a  sterile  spot. 

"I  am  not  a  native  of  this  island,"  observed  he,  as 
we  walked  along  ;  "it  is  more  than  four  hundred 
years  since  it  was  first  inhabited,  by  the  crew  of  a  French 
vessel,  which  was  lost  m  the  Northern  Ocean.  But  I  do  not 
wish  to  leave  it.  I  was  cast  on  it  in  a  whale  boat,  when 
separated  from  the  ship  in  a  snow-storm,  about  twenty-five 
years  ago.  I  am  now  a  married  man,  with  a  family,  and 
am  considered  one  of  the  wealthiest  inhabitants  of  the 
island,  for  I  possess  between  forty  and  fifty  whales." 

"  Whales  !  "  exclaimed  I,  with  astonishment. 

"  Yes,"  replied  my  conductor,  "  whales,  which  are  the 
staple  of  this  island,  and  without  them  we  should  not  be  so 


1 66  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

prosperous  and  so  happy  as  we  are.  But  you  have  much 
to  see  and  learn  ;  you  will  by-and-bye  acknowledge  that 
there  is  nothing  existing  in  the  world,  which,  from  necessity 
and  by  perseverance,  man  cannot  subject  to  his  use.  Yon 
lake  which  covers  the  bottom  of  our  valley,  is  our  source 
of  wealth  and  comfort,  and  yields  us  an  increase  as 
plentiful  as  the  most  fertile  plains  of  Italy  or  France." 

As  we  arrived  close  to  the  foot  of  the  hills,  I  perceived 
several  black  substances  on  the  shores  of  the  lake.  "  Are 
those  whales  ?  "  inquired  I. 

"  They  were  whales,  but  they  are  now  houses.  That 
one  by  itself  is  mine,  which  I  hope  you  will  consider  as 
yours,  until  you  have  made  up  your  mind  as  to  what  you 
will  do." 

We  descended  to  the  beach,  and  his  companions,  wishing 
me  good-morning,  left  me  with  my  conductor,  who  led  the 
way  to  his  house.  It  was  composed  of  the  skin  of  one 
entire  whale,  much  larger  than  ever  I  had  seen  in  the 
Northern  Ocean.  The  backbone  and  ribs  of  the  animal 
served  as  rafters  to  extend  the  skin,  which  wore  the  resem- 
blance of  a  long  tent;  it  was  further  secured  by  ropes, 
formed  of  the  twisted  sinews  which  passed  over  the  top,  and 
were  made  fast  to  stakes  of  bone  firmly  fixed  in  the  ground 
on  each  side.  When  I  entered,  I  found  to  my  surprise  that 
there  was  plenty  of  light,  which  was  supplied  from  windows, 
composed  of  small  panes  of  whalebone  ground  down  very 
thin,  and  at  the  further  end  the  head  and  scull  of  the 
animal  formed  a  kitchen,  the  smoke  from  the  fire  escaping 
through  the  spiracles  or  breathing-holes  above. 

On  each  side  of  the  room  into  which  I  was  ushered  were 
raised  seats,  covered  with  seal  skins,  and  the  other  end  of 
the  house  was  divided  oiF  with  a  species  of  black  skin,  inta 
sleeping  apartments  for  the  master  of  the  house  and  his 
family.  There  was  not  the  least  smell,  as  I  anticipated 
before  I  entered  this  strange  dwelling-place. 

I  was  introduced  to  his  wife,  who  welcomed  me  with 
cordiality.  She  was  dressed  in  the  same  dark  skin  as  her 
husband,  but  of  a  much  finer  texture,  and  had  a  scarlet  cap 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  167 

on  her  head,  as  well  as  scarlet  trimmings  to  the  front  and 
bottom  of  her  dress,  which  on  the  whole  was  not  only 
comfortable  but  becoming  in  its  appearance. 

A  bowl  of  milk  was  presented  to  me,  to  refresh  me  after 
my  walk  and  long  abstinence. 

"How!"  observed  I,  "have  you  milk  here  without 
pasture  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  replied  my  host,  "  drink  it,  and  tell  me  if  you 
think  it  palatable." 

I  did  so,  and  found  it  very  little  diiFerent  from  the  asses' 
milk  of  my  own  country — perhaps  with  a  little  more 
acidity  of  taste.  In  the  meantime  several  varieties  of  shell- 
fish, and  a  large  cheese,  were  placed  upon  the  table,  which, 
as  well  as  the  stools,  was  composed  entirely  of  bone. 

"  And  cheese,  too  ?  "  said  I. 

"  Yes,  and  you  will  find  it  not  bad.  It  is  the  milk  of 
the  whale  which  you  have  drank,  and  the  cheese  is  prepared 
from  the  same." 

**  Friend  Huckaback,"  observed  the  pacha,  "  I  think  you 
are  telling  me  lies.     Who  ever  heard  of  whale's  milk  ?  " 

"  Allah  forbid  that  I  should  attempt  to  deceive  a  person 
of  your  highness's  judgment ;  it  could  only  end  in  mortifica- 
tion and  defeat  to  myself." 

"  That's  very  true,"  observed  the  pacha. 

"  Your  highness  has  not  called  to  mind,  that  the  whale 
is  what  naturalists  call  a  *  hot-blood  animal,'  with  arteries 
and  circulation  of  blood  similar  to  the  human  species  ;  and 
that  it  brings  forth  its  young  alive,  and  nurses  it  at  the 
breast." 

**  Very  true,"  observed  the  pacha.     "  I  had  forgot  that." 

My  conductor  resumed  as  follows : — "  As  I  told  you 
before,  the  whale  is  the  staple  of  this  island.  You  observe 
that  his  skin  serves  us  as  a  house  ;  from  his  bones  we  form 
all  our  implements — from  his  sinews,  our  thickest  ropes 
down  to  our  finest  thread.  The  dress  we  wear  is 
composed  of  the  belly  part  of  the  skin,  dressed  with  a  sort 


1 68  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

of  soap,  composed  of  the  alkali  obtained  from  the  sea-weed 
which  abounds  in  the  lake,  and  the  oil  of  the  whale.  His 
blubber  serves  us  for  fuel  and  candle  ;  his  flesh  for  meat, 
and  the  milk  is  invaluable  to  us.  It  is  true,  we  have  other 
resources ;  we  have  our  lizards,  and  a  variety  of  fish  and 
shell-fish  ;  and  when  we  are  shut  up  in  the  winter  among 
the  icebergs,  we  procure  the  flesh  and  skins  of  the  seals 
and  the  polar  bear.  But  we  have  no  vegetable  of  any 
kind  ;  and  although  the  want  of  bread  may  at  first  be  un- 
pleasant, a  few  weeks  will  reconcile  you  to  the  privation. 
But  it  is  time  to  repose  after  your  fatigues — I  will  report 
your  arrival  to  the  great  harpooner,  after  I  have  shown  you 
to  your  chamber."  He  then  conducted  me  to  an  inner 
room,  where  I  found  a  couch,  composed  of  the  skins  of  the 
polar  bears,  on  which  I  threw  myself,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
was  fast  asleep. 

The  next  morning  I  was  awakened  by  my  host.  "  If 
you  wish  to  see  the  whales  milked,  this  is  the  hour  that 
they  are  called  in ;  a  short  walk  will  explain  more  to  you 
than  many  hours'  conversation." 

I  arose  perfectly  refreshed  from  my  long  nap,  and 
followed  my  conductor.  We  passed  a  large  tank.  "  This 
is  our  water;  we  are  obliged  not  to  waste  it,  although 
we  have  a  sufficiency ;  the  tank  is  coated  by  a  cement, 
formed  of  lime,  obtained  by  the  burning  of  the  shells  of 
fish.  We  make  all  our  vessels  that  are  submitted  to  the 
fire,  of  the  same  substance,  mixed  with  pounded  lava;  it 
is  burnt  in  the  fire,  and  glazed  with  sea-salt." 

We  arrived  at  the  edge  of  the  lake,  where  we  came  to 
a  large  shallow  dock,  cut  out  of  the  lava  in  the  side,  in 
which  were  about  two  dozen  young  whales,  who  followed 
my  host  as  he  walked  round  the  edge. 

These  are  my  calves;  we  do  not  admit  the  mothers 
until  we  have  first  drawn  oiF  what  milk  we  require. 

Several  men  now  came  down  to  the  beach:  one  of 
them  blew  a  horn,  formed  out  of  a  part  of  the  horn  of 
a  sea  unicorn,  and  immediately  a  herd  of  whales  collected 
at  the   sound,   and  swam  towards  the  beach.      They  all 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  169 

answered  to  their  names ;  and  when  the  men  waded  in 
the  water  up  to  their  knees,  quietly  grounded  on  their 
sides,  so  as  to  present  one  of  their  udders  to  them,  clear 
of  the  water.  This  was  squeezed  by  four  men,  and  the 
contents  received  into  a  large  pail,  composed  of  the  bones 
of  a  whale,  neatly  hooped  together  by  the  same  substance. 

As  soon  as  the  breast  of  the  animal  was  empty,  with  a 
lash  of  its  tail  it  recovered  the  deep  water,  and  swam 
round  and  round  in  small  circles,  near  to  the  spot. 

"  We  always  leave  one  breast  for  the  calf,"  observed 
my  host ;  **  when  they  are  all  milked,  I  shall  open  the 
pen  and  let  the  mothers  in." 

"  What  are  those  enormous  whales  which  are  playing 
at  a  distance  ?  " 

"  They  are  our  whale  oxen,"  answered  my  host ;  "we 
find  that  they  grow  to  an  enormous  size.  Our  houses 
are  built  of  their  skins." 

**  Is  that  a  dead  whale  on  the  beach  ? " 

"  It  is  one  of  our  whale  boats,"  replied  he,  **  but  formed, 
as  you  supposed,  from  the  skin  of  a  whale,  hardened  by 
frequent  applications  of  oil  and  lime.  We  use  them 
to  catch  the  whales  when  we  want  them." 

"  You  do  not  use  the  harpoon,  then .?" 

"  Only  when  we  kill ;  in  general  we  noose  the  tail, 
and  fasten  the  rope  to  one  of  these  boats,  which  are  so 
buoyant,  that  the  whale  cannot  take  it  down,  and  soon 
tires  with  his  own  exertions.  I  am  now  speaking  of  the 
males  reserved  for  breeding,  or  strange  whales,  who 
sometimes  find  their  way  into  our  lake  during  the  winter : 
our  own  are  so  domesticated  from  their  infancy,  that  we 
have  little  trouble  with  them;  but  it  is  time  that  we 
return." 

"Here,"  observed  my  host,  as  we  passed  a  whale- 
house,  "  is  one  of  our  manufactories  ;  we  will  step  in. 
This  is  the  common  stuff*  of  the  country,  which  is  used 
for  partitions  in  houses,  &c.  This  is  a  finer  sort,  such 
as  I  wear  at  present.  Here  we  have  the  skin  of  the 
whale  calf,  which  is  usually  worn  by  the  women.     This 


170  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

is  the  most  expensive  article  of  our  manufactures  ;  it  is 
the  belly  part  of  the  calPs  skin,  which  being  white,  admits 
of  a  dye  from  the  murex — a  shell  fish,  very  common  on 
our  shores." 

"Have  you  money  ?"  inquired  I. 

**  None — we  exchange  ;  but  the  chief  article  of  ex- 
change, and  which  serves  as  money,  is  the  whale  cheese, 
which  keeps  for  years,  and  improves  in  quality.  That 
fine  cloth  is  worth  eight  new  cheeses  a  square  yard,  which 
is  very  dear." 

We  arrived  at  the  house,  where  we  found  our  repast 
ready ;  an  excellent  stew  received  my  commendation. 

"It  is  one  of  our  favourite  dishes,"  replied  my  host  j 
"it  is  made  of  lizards'  tails." 

"  Lizards'  tails  !  " 

**  Yes  ;  I  am  about  to  procure  some  for  dinner,  and 
you  shall  see  my  preserve." 

In  the  course  of  the  day  I  walked  with  my  host  a  short 
distance  up  the  hill,  when  we  stopped  at  a  large  pit, 
covered  with  a  net  work,  made  of  whales'  sinews.  The 
man  who  accompanied  us,  descended,  and  soon  returned 
with  a  pail  full  of  lizards,  confined  by  a  similar  net  over 
them.  He  then  took  them  out  one  by  one,  and  pulled 
their  tails,  which  were  immediately  left  in  his  hand.  He 
then  notched  the  stump,  and  threw  the  animal  into  the 
pit. 

"  Of  what  use  is  it  to  return  the  animals  ? "  observed  I. 

"  Because  their  tails  will  grow  again,  by  next  year." 

"  But  why,  then,  were  the  stumps  notched  in  the 
middle?" 

"That  they  might  have  two  tails  instead  of  one,  which 
is  invariably  the  case,"  replied  my  host. 

But  I  will  not  tire  your  highness  with  an  account  of  all 
that  I  saw,  and  which  occurred  during  my  stay  on  that 
island.  If  I  were  to  enter  into  the  excellence  of  their 
government,  which  consisted  of  a  Great  Harpooner,  and 
two  councils  of  first  and  second  Harpoons,  or  of  the 
manners  and  customs   of  the   inhabitants,  ceremonies   at 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  171 

births,  and  marriages,  and  deaths — of  their  amusements, 
and  their  ingenious  supply  of  all  their  wants,  it  would 
afford  materials  for  at  least  two  volumes  quarto,  without 
margin.  I  shall  therefore  confine  myself  to  stating,  that 
after  a  sojourn  of  six  months,  I  became  so  impatient  to 
quit  the  island,  that  I  determined  to  encounter  any  risk, 
rather  than  not  accomplish  it. 

My  host,  and  all  the  principal  inhabitants,  finding  that 
no  persuasions  could  induce  me  to  stay,  consented  at  last 
to  furnish  me  with  the  means  which  I  had  hit  upon  to 
make  my  escape. 

I  omitted  to  mention  to  your  highness,  the  whales  had 
been  rendered  so  docile,  that  they  not  only  were  used  for 
draught  on  the  lake,  but  even  for  carrying  on  their  backs. 
I  never  could  be  persuaded  to  mount  one,  I  had  such  a 
horror  of  being  seated  on  a  fish's  back,  after  my  travelling 
on  the  shark  ;  but  I  had  often  crossed  the  lake  in  one  of 
the  great  whale  boats  towed  by  one  or  two  of  the  animals 
fastened  to  it  by  loops  over  their  tails.  This  conveyance 
suggested  to  me  the  idea  of  my  escape,  which  I  proposed 
to  make  by  means  of  one  of  these  large  whale  boats, 
covered  completely  in,  and  to  be  towed  out  of  the  mouth 
of  the  lake  by  one  of  the  draught  whales. 

At  my  request,  a  boat  was  prepared,  and  covered  in, 
with  whalebone  windows  to  admit  light ;  a  stock  of 
provisions  were  supplied  me  sufficient  for  a  long  voyage ; 
and  the  whale  being  put  to,  I  departed  amidst  the  tears  and 
lamentations  of  the  friendly  islanders,  who  looked  upon 
me  as  a  man  bent  upon  my  own  destruction.  But  I  was 
aware  that  the  fishery  would  soon  commence,  and  had 
great  hopes  of  being  picked  up  by  one  of  the  vessels.  I 
was  soon  clear  of  the  lake ;  and  the  lad  who  was  on  the 
back  of  the  draught  whale,  having  towed  me  out  in 
pursuance  of  his  orders,  until  the  island  appeared  like  a 
cloud  on  the  horizon,  cast  me  loose  and  hastened  back, 
that  he  might  return  home  before  dark. 

For  three  weeks  I  remained  in  the  inside  of  this  enormous 
boat,  or  rather  I  may  say  fish  tossed  upon  the  waves,  but 


172  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

without  injury,  from  its  extreme  buoyancy.  One  morning 
I  was  awakened  from  a  sound  sleep  by  a  sudden  blow  on 
the  outside  of  my  vessel.  I  imagined  that  I  had  come  in 
contact  with  an  iceberg,  but  the  sound  of  voices  convinced 
me,  that  at  last  I  had  fallen  in  with  my  fellow-creatures. 
A  harpoon  was  now  driven  in,  which  I  narrowly  escaped, 
and  a  volley  of  execrations  followed,  by  which  I  knew 
immediately  that  the  people  were  English. 

After  a  few  minutes,  they  commenced  sawing  a  hole  in 
the  side  of  my  whale  boat ;  and  a  piece  being  removed,  a 
head  was  put  in.  Fearful  of  another  harpoon,  I  had  raised 
up  my  large  white  bear's  skin  as  a  defence,  and  the  man 
perceiving  it,  immediately  withdrew  his  head,  swearing 
that  there  was  a  white  bear  in  the  belly  of  the  whale. 
The  boat  shoved  off,  and  they  commenced  firing  musket 
balls,  which  pierced  my  boat  through  and  through,  and  I 
was  obliged  to  lie  down  at  the  bottom  to  save  my  life. 
After  about  twenty  shots,  the  boat  again  came  along  side, 
and  a  man,  putting  his  head  in,  and  perceiving  me  at  the 
bottom  of  the  boat,  covered  over  with  the  bear's  skin, 
imagined  that  the  animal  had  been  killed,  and  reported  to 
his  companions.  With  some  degree  of  apprehension  they 
climbed  in  at  the  hole  which  they  had  cut,  when  I  lifted 
up  my  bear's  skin,  and  made  my  appearance,  dressed  in  the 
black  skin  worn  by  the  inhabitants  of  Whale's  Island. 
This  frightened  them  still  more ;  one  roared  out  that  it 
was  the  devil,  and  they  all  ran  to  make  their  escape  at  the 
hole  by  which  they  entered,  but  in  their  eagerness  they 
prevented  each  other. 

It  was  with  difficulty  that  I  convinced  them  that  I  was 
harmless,  which  I  did  at  last ;  and  having  explained  in  a 
few  words  how  I  came  there,  they  permitted  me  to  go 
with  them  on  board  of  the  ship.  The  captain  was  very 
sulky  when  he  heard  the  story ;  he  had  imagined  it  to  be 
a  dead  whale,  and  had  ordered  it  to  be  towed  alongside, 
to  cut  off  the  blubber.  Disappointed  in  his  expectations, 
he  swore  that  I  was  a  Jonas,  who  had  come  out  of  the 
whale's  belly,  and  there  would  be  no  luck  in  the  ship,  if  I 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  173 

remained.  The  sailors,  whose  profits  in  the  voyage  were 
regulated  by  the  number  of  fish  taken,  thought  this  an 
excellent  reason  for  throwing  me  overboard;  and  had 
there  not  been  two  sail  in  sight,  standing  towards  them,  I 
certainly  should  have  had  some  more  adventures  to  narrate. 
At  last  they  consented  to  put  me  on  board  of  one  which 
had  hoisted  French  colours.  She  was  from  Havre,  and 
having  twelve  fish  on  board,  was  returning  home.  The 
captain  consented  to  give  me  a  passage,  and  in  two  months 
I  was  once  more  in  my  native  country. 

Such,  your  highness,  were  the  adventures  of  my  Third 
Voyage. 

"Well,  the  story  of  the  Island  was  rather  too  long," 
observed  the  pacha,  "  but  altogether,  it  was  amusing. 
Mustapha,  I  think  it  is  worth  ten  pieces  of  gold." 


Chapter  X 

The  next  day  the  renegade  commenced  his  fourth  voyage 
in  the  following  words. 

FOURTH    VOYAGE    OF    HUCKABACK. 

Your  highness  may  imagine,  that  I  ought  to  have  been 
pretty  well  tired  of  going  to  sea,  after  so  many  mishaps  ; 
but  there  is  a  restlessness  attending  a  person  who  has  once 
been  a  rover,  that  drives  him  from  comfort  and  affluence 
in  possession,  to  seek  variety  through  danger  and  difficulty 
in  perspective.  Yet  I  cannot  say  that  it  was  my  case  in 
the  present  instance,  for  I  was  forced  to  embark  against  my 
inclination.  I  had  travelled  through  France  to  Marseilles, 
with  a  small  sum  of  money  presented  me  by  the  captain 
of  the  ship  who  gave  me  a  passage  home,  for  I  could  no 
longer  bear  the  idea  of  not  again  seeing  my  father,  if  he 
was  alive  ;  and  I  felt  no  apprehensions  from  the  circum- 
stance of  the  lady  abbess,  as  I  knew  how  soon  every  thing 


174  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

in  this  world  is  forgotten,  and  that  I  was  so  altered  from 
time  and  hardship,  that  I  was  not  likely  to  be  recog- 
nised. 

On  my  arrival  at  my  native  city,  I  proceeded  to  the 
well-known  shop,  where  I  had  been  accustomed  to  exercise 
my  talents,  under  my  father's  superintendence.  The  pole 
was  extended  from  the  door,  the  basin  still  turned  round 
in  obedience  to  the  wind ;  but  when  I  entered  the  shop, 
which  was  crowded  with  people  (for  it  was  Saturday 
afternoon),  I  perceived  that  all  the  operators  were  unknown 
to  me,  and  that  my  father  was  not  there.  One  of  the 
expectants,  who  waited  his  turn,  politely  made  room  for 
me  beside  him  on  the  bench,  and  I  had  time  to  look  about 
me  before  I  made  any  interrogations. 

The  shop  had  been  newly  painted,  a  looking-glass  of 
considerable  dimensions  had  been  added,  and  the  whole 
wore  the  appearance  of  a  more  thriving  establishment. 

**  You  are  a  stranger.  Monsieur  ?  "  observed  my  neigh- 
bour. 

**  I  am,"  replied  I ;  "  but  I  have  been  at  Marseilles 
before,  and  when  I  was  last  here  I  used  to  frequent  this 
shop.  There  was  a  short  stout  man  who  was  at  the  head 
of  it,  but  I  do  not  recollect  his  name." 

"  Oh — Monsieur  Maurepas.  He  is  dead ;  he  died  about 
two  months  since." 

"  And  what  has  become  of  his  family  ?  " 

"  He  had  but  one  son,  who  had  an  intrigue  with  the 
daughter  of  an  old  officer  in  this  town,  and  was  obliged  to 
leave  it.  No  one  has  heard  of  him  since  :  he  is  supposed 
to  have  been  lost  at  sea,  as  the  vessel  in  which  he  embarked 
never  arrived  at  the  port  to  which  she  was  bound.  The 
old  man  died  worth  money,  and  there  is  a  law-suit  for  his 
property  now  carried  on  between  two  distant  relations." 

**  What  became  of  the  lady  you  were  speaking  of?  " 

**  She  retired  to  a  convent,  not  three  miles  off,  and  is 
since  dead.  There  was  some  mystery  about  the  abbess, 
and  she  was  supposed  to  be  able  to  explain  it.  I  believe 
she  was  pronounced  *  contumacious  '  by  the  Inquisition,  and 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  175 

put  into  prison,  where  she  died  from  the  severity  of  her 
treatment." 

My  heart  smote  me  when  I  heard  this.  The  poor  girl 
had  endured  all  this  severity  on  my  account,  and  was 
faithful  even  to  the  last.  I  fell  into  a  reverie  of  most 
painful  feelings.  Cerise,  too,  whose  fate  I  had  before 
ascertained  when  I  was  at  Toulouse — Dear,  dear  Cerise  ! 

"I  tell  you  again,  Huckaback,  I  wish  to  have  no  more 
of  Cerise,"  cried  the  pacha.  "  She  is  dead,  and  there's  an 
end  of  her." 

The  information  that  I  received  made  me  doubtful  how 
to  proceed  ;  I  could  easily  prove  my  identity,  but  I  had  a 
degree  of  apprehension  that  I  might  be  catechised  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  raise  suspicions.  At  the  same  time  without 
a  sou  in  the  world,  I  did  not  much  like  the  idea  of  aban- 
doning all  claim  to  my  father's  property.  I  had  formerly 
dressed  the  peruke  of  an  elderly  gentleman  who  practised 
in  the  law,  and  with  whom  I  was  a  great  favourite.  Al- 
though five  years  had  elapsed  since  I  first  ran  away  from 
my  father,  I  thought  it  very  likely  that  he  might  be  still 
alive.  I  resolved  to  call  at  his  house.  "When  I  knocked 
and  asked  if  he  was  at  home,  the  girl  who  opened  the  door 
replied  in  the  affirmative,  and  I  was  shown  into  the  same 
little  study,  littered  with  papers,  into  which  I  formerly 
used  to  bring  him  his  peruke. 

"  Your  pleasure,  sir  ? "  inquired  the  old  man,  peering 
at  me  through  his  spectacles. 

"  I  wish,"  replied  I,  "to  ask  your  opinion  relative  to 
a  disputed  succession." 

**  "What  is  the  property  ? " 

"  That  of  Monsieur  Maurepas,  who  died  some  short 
time  since." 

"  "What,  have  we  another  claimant  ?  If  so,  as  I  am 
employed  by  one  party  already,  you  must  go  elsewhere. 
I  wish  Frangois  would  make  his  appearance  and  claim 
his  own,  poor  fellow." 


176  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

Delighted  to  find  that  the  old  gentleman  had  still  a 
regard  for  me,  I  made  no  scruple  of  making  myself 
known. 

"  I  am  Francois,  sir,"  replied  I. 

The  old  gentleman  rose  from  his  seat,  and  coming 
close  to  me,  looked  at  me  earnestly  in  the  face.  After 
a  minute's  scrutiny, 

"  Well — I  do  believe  you  are  ;  and  pray,  sir,  where 
have  you  been  all  this  while  ?  " 

**  That's  what  I  cannot  very  well  tell,  but  I  have  seen 
and  suffered  much." 

"  But  that's  what  you  must  tell,  if  you  wish  to  obtain 
your  property — that  is  to  say,  you  must  tell  me.  Don't 
be  afraid,  Fran9ois  :  it  is  a  part  of  oul-  profession  to  be 
confidants  to  strange  secrets,  and  I  think  there  are  many 
locked  up  in  this  breast  of  more  importance  than  any 
which  you  can  disclose." 

"  But,  sir,  if  my  life  is  concerned." 

"What  then — your  life  will  be  safe.  If  I  told  all  I 
knew,  I  could  hang  half  Marseilles.  But  laying  my 
professional  duty  aside,  I  wish  you  well ;  so  now  sit 
down,  and  let  me  hear  your  narrative." 

I  felt  that  I  could  confide  in  my  old  acquaintance,  and 
I  therefore  commenced  a  detail  of  my  adventures.  When 
I  stated  my  being  wrecked  near  Marseilles,  he  interrupted 
me,  laughing — 

"  And  you  were  the  holy  abbess  ? " 

"  I  was." 

"Well,  I  thought  I  recollected  your  face,  when  I  came 
with  the  rest  of  the  Tom  Fools  to  pay  my  respects  to 
you :  and  when  it  was  whispered  that  a  man  had  per- 
sonified the  holy  abbess,  I  said  to  myself,  *  that  it  was 
either  Fran9ois  or  the  devil,'  but  I  never  mentioned  my 
suspicions." 

When  I  had  finished  my  narrative,  he  observed,  "Now, 
Francois,  there  will  be  some  risk  of  proving  your  identity 
in  a  court  of  justice,  which  the  other  parties  will  insist 
upon.     What  I  should  advise  you  to  do,  is,  to  compromise 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  177 

with  the  party  that  employs  me.  Make  over  to  him  a 
conveyance  of  all  the  property,  on  condition  of  your  re- 
ceiving one  half,  or  more  if  we  can  get  it.  I  will 
represent  you  as  a  careless  young  man,  anxious  to  obtain 
money  and  spend  it^  If  he  agrees,  you  will  obtain  a 
good  round  sum  without  risk,  and  I  shall  oblige  both 
my  clients,  which  is  always  my  endeavour?' 

I  agreed  to  the  good  sense  of  the  proposal,  and  my 
old  friend  advanced  me  some  louis  to  enable  me  to  im- 
prove my  appearance.  Advising  me  not  to  show  myself 
too  much,  he  offered  me  a  bed  at  his  house.  I  left  him 
to  procure  a  more  decent  wardrobe;  and  for  better  disguise, 
fitted  myself  with  an  officer's  undress  suit,  and  having 
purchased  a  few  other  necessaries,  returned  to  his  house. 

a  Well,  upon  my  honour,  you  do  justice  to  your  dress. 
I  don't  wonder  at  Mademoiselle  de  Fonseca  falling  in 
love  with  you.  That  is  a  sad  story  though — I  don't 
know  whether  I  ought  to  trust  you  with  my  housekeeper, 
for  she  is  very  young  and  very  pretty.  Promise  me,  on 
your  honour,  that  you  will  not  make  love  to  the  poor 
girl,  for  I  have  an  affection  for  her,  and  will  not  have 
her  added  to  your  list  of  broken  hearts." 

**  Mention  it  not,  I  beg,  sir,"  replied  I,  mournfully ; 
**my  heart  is  dead  and  buried  with  her  whose  name  I 
have  just  mentioned." 

"  Well,  then,  go  up  stairs  and  introduce  yourself.  I 
have  people  waiting  in  the  next  room." 

I  obeyed  his  directions,  and  when  I  entered  the  parlour 
above,  perceived  a  youthful  figure  working  at  her  needle, 
with  her  back  towards  me.  She  turned  her  head  at  my 
approach — what  was  my  amazement,  what  was  my  delight, 
when  I  beheld  Cerise  ! 

"  Holy  prophet,"  exclaimed  the  pacha,  "  is  that  woman 
come  to  life  again  ?  " 

"  She  was  never  dead,  your  highness,  and  will  occupy 
your  attention  more  than  once,  if  I  am  to  proceed  with 
my  voyages." 

P  M 


178  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  But  I  hope  there  will  be  no  more  love  scenes.'* 
"  Only  the  present  one,  your  highness :  for  after  that 
we  were  married." 

Cerise  looked  at  me  for  one  moment,  screamed,  and 
fell  lifeless  on  the  floor.  I  caught  her  in  my  arms,  and, 
as  she  lay  senseless,  called  her  by  her  name,  and  imprinted 
a  hundred  kisses  on  her  lips. 

The  noise  had  alarmed  the  old  gentleman,  who  un- 
observed by  me,  came  in,  and  witnessed  the  scene.  "  Upon 
my  honour,  sir,  considering  your  promise  to  me  just  now, 
you  are  making  rather  free." 

"  'Tis  Cerise,  my  dear  sir-^ — Cerise  !  " 

"  Cerise  de  Fonseca  ? " 

"  Yes,  the  same,  the  dear  girl  whom  I  have  ever 
lamented." 

"Upon  my  soul,  Mr  Francois,  you've  a  talent  for 
adventures,"  said  the  old  gentleman,  leaving  the  room,  and 
returning  with  a  tumbler  of  water.  Cerise  was  soon 
restored,  and  lay  trembling  in  my  arms.  Our  old  friend, 
who  considered  that  he  was  ^  de  trop^  quitted  the  room, 
and  left  us  together. 

I  will  not  dwell  upon  a  scene  which  can  have  no  charms 
to  those,  who,  like  your  highness,  buy  love  ready  made  \ 
I  shall  therefore  narrate  the  history  of  Cerise,  which  at  my 
request  was  imparted,  previous  to  her  receiving  a  similar 
confidence  on  my  part. 

"  Allow  me  to  observe,  Felix  (or  what  is  your  name, 
you  impostor  ? "),  said  Cerise,  half  reproachfully,  and  half 
in  jest. 

"  My  name  is  Fran9ois." 

"  Well,  then,  Fran9ois  ;  but  I  never  shall  like  that  name 
so  well  as  Felix,  for  it  was  to  Felix  that — but  there's 
nothing  in  a  name  after  all — except  that  the  first  is  en- 
graven on  my  heart,  and  cannot  be  effaced.  But  let  me 
tell  my  story,  and  allow  me  to  commence  with  an  observa- 
tion, which  my  acquaintance  with  you,  and  subsequent 
reflections,    have    deeply    impressed    upon    my    mind.      It 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  179 

unfortunately  happens,  that  those  who  are  highest  in  rank 
in  this  world,  pay  dearly  for  it  in  a  point  upon  which 
almost  air  the  real  happiness  of  life  consists.  I  mean  in 
the  choice  of  the  partner  with  whom  they  are  destined  to 
walk  the  pilgrimage  of  life  hand  in  hand ;  and  the  higher 
their  rank,  the  more  strictly  are  they  debarred  from  making 
a  selection,  which  the  meanest  peasant  can  enjoy  without 
control. 

"  A  king  has  no  choice,  he  must  submit  to  the  wishes  of 
his  subjects,  and  the  interests  of  his  country.  The  aris- 
tocracy in  our  country  are  little  better  off,  at  least  the 
female  part  of  it,  for  they  are  dragged  from  convents  to 
the  altar,  and  offered  up  as  a  sacrifice  to  family  connection 
At  the  time  that  we  were,  or  were  supposed  to  be  (for  as 
yet  it  is  a  mystery  to  me),  assisted  by  you  on  the  road — " 

"In  one  point  not  a  supposition  certainly,  my  Cerise, 
for  I  took  off  my  only  garment  to  cover  you." 

**  You  did — you  did — I  think  I  see  you  now,  leaving 
the  side  of  the  chariot ;  I  loved  you  from  that  moment — 
but  to  continue  :  I  was  then  going  down  to  the  chateau, 
to  be  introduced  to  my  future  husband,  whom  I  had  never 
seen,  although  the  affair  had  been  long  arranged. 

**  My  father  had  no  idea  that  any  harm  could  result 
from  a  few  days'  acquaintance ;  and  he  felt  too  grateful  to 
forbid  you  the  house;  but  he  little  knew  how  situation 
and  opportunity  will  overcome  time ;  and  I  knew  more  of 
you  in  a  few  days  than  I  thought  I  could  have  known  of 
any  man  in  so  many  years.  That  I  loved  you — loved  you 
dearly — you  know  well. 

"  But  to  proceed :  (nay,  don't  kiss  me  so,  or  I  shall 
never  tell  my  story).  The  next  morning  I  heard  that  you 
had  gone,  as  you  had  told  me  it  was  your  intention ;  but 
my  father's  horse  did  not  come  back — my  father  was  grave, 
and  the  bishop  more  gloomy  than  usual.  Two  days  after- 
wards I  was  informed  by  my  father  that  you  were  an 
impostor,  that  all  had  been  discovered,  and  that  if  taken 
you  would  probably  be  seized  by  the  Inquisition ;  but  you 
had  fled  the  country,  and  were  supposed  to  have  embarked 


i8o  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

at  Toulon.  He  added,  that  my  intended  husband  would 
arrive  in  a  few  days. 

"  I  considered  ail  that  he  had  told  me,  and  I  formed  the 
following  conclusions : — first,  that  you  were  not  the  person 
that  you  described  yourself  to  be  5  and,  secondly,  that  he 
had  discovered  our  attachment,  and  had  insisted  upon  your 
not  re-appearing — but  that  you  had  deserted  me,  and  left 
the  country,  I  knew,  after  what  had  passed,  to  he  impossible. 
But  whether  you  were  Monsieur  de  Rouille  or  not,  you 
were  all  I  coveted,  and  all  that  I  adored  ;  and  I  vowed 
that  for  you  I  would  live  or  die.  I  felt  assured  that  one 
day  or  another,  you  would  come  back,  and  that  conviction 
supported  me.  My  future  husband  appeared — he  was 
odious.  The  time  fixed  for  our  wedding  drew  nigh — I 
had  but  one  resource,  which  was  flight.  A  young  girl 
who  attended  me  (you  recollect  her,  she  came  and  told  us 
the  bishop  was  coming,  when  we  were  in  the  garden),  I 
knew  to  be  attached  to  me.  I  took  her  in  confidence,  and 
through  her  means  I  obtained  a  peasant's  dress,  with  the 
promise  of  shelter  in  her  father's  cottage,  some  leagues 
distant.  The  night  before  the  marriage  was  to  take  place, 
I  ran  down  to  the  river  that  flows  past  the  chateau,  threw 
my  bonnet  and  shawl  on  the  bank,  and  then  made  my 
escape  to  where  her  father  was  waiting  to  receive  me,  in  a 
cart  which  he  had  provided  as  a  conveyance.  The  girl, 
who  was  left,  managed  admirably :  it  was  suppposed  that  I 
had  drowned  myself,  and  as  they  had  no  further  occasion 
for  her  services,  she  was  dismissed,  and  joined  me  at  her 
father's  cottage.  I  remained  there  for  more  than  a  year, 
when  I  thought  it  advisable  to  move,  and  come  to 
Marseilles,  where  I  obtained  the  situation  of  housekeeper 
to  this  old  gentleman,  who  has  treated  me  more  like  a 
daughter  than  a  domestic.  Now,  Mr  Francois,  can  you 
give  so  good  an  account  of  yourself  ? " 

"  Not  quite,  Cerise ;  but  I  can  honestly  declare,  that 
when  I  thought  you  alive,  I  never  forgot  you,  and  believ- 
ing you  dead,  I  never  ceased  to  lament  you,  nor  have 
I  looked  at  a  woman  since.     Our  old  friend  below  can 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  i8i 

prove  it,  by  my  answer  when  he  cautioned  me  against  the 
charms  of  his  housekeeper." 

I  did  not,  your  highness,  tell  the  whole  truth  to  Cerise ; 
for  I  have  always  considered  it  perfectly  justifiable  to 
retain  facts  which  cannot  add  to  people's  happiness.  I 
declared  that  I  left  her  because  my  life  would  have  been 
forfeited  if  I  had  remained,  and  I  valued  it  only  for  her 
sake.  That  I  always  intended  to  return,  and  when  I 
quitted  Valencia,  and  had  become  a  man  of  property, 
I  immediately  proceeded  to  make  inquiries,  and  heard 
the  news  of  her  death.  Neither  did  I  acquaint  her  with 
the  profession  which  I  had  followed ;  I  merely  stated  that 
my  father  was  a  man  of  eminence,  and  that  he  had  died 
rich — for  although  people  of  good  family  will  sometimes 
bow  to  love,  taking  the  risk  of  high  or  low  birth,  they  are 
always  mortified  when  they  discover  that  their  ticket 
in  the  lottery  has  turned  up  a  blank. 

Cerise  was  satisfied — we  renewed  our  vows — and  the 
old  gentleman,  who  declared  that  of  all  the  secrets  in  his 
possession  ours  would  be  the  most  dangerous  to  him 
if  discovered,  was  not  sorry  to  see  us  united,  and  quit  the 
house. 

I  obtained  two-thirds  of  my  fortune  from  the  claimant, 
and  with  it  and  my  wife  repaired  to  Toulon. 

For  one  year  I  enjoyed  uninterrupted  happiness.  My 
wife  was  everything  to  me,  and  so  far  from  leaving  her 
in  search  of  variety,  I  could  not  bear  to  go  out  of  the 
house  unless  she  accompanied  me :  but  we  were  living 
much  too  fast,  and  at  the  end  of  the  year  I  found  one-third 
of  my  property  had  been  spent.  My  affection  would  not 
permit  me  to  reduce  my  wife  to  beggary,  and  I  determined 
to  take  some  measures  to  secure  the  means  of  future 
existence.  Consulting  her  on  the  occasion,  with  many 
tears  Cerise  acknowledged  my  prudence,  and  having 
divided  the  remainder  of  my  property,  one  half  of  which 
I  laid  out  in  merchandise,  and  the  other  I  gave  to  her, 
for  her  support  during  my  absence,  I  embarked  on  board 
of  a  vessel  bound  to  the  West  Indies. 


i82  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

We  made  the  islands  without  any  accident,  and  I  was 
extremely  successful  in  my  speculations ;  I  began  to  think 
that  fortune  was  tired  of  persecuting  me,  but  knowing 
how  treacherous  she  was,  I  shipped  one  half  of  my  return 
cargo  in  another  vessel,  that  I  might  have  more  than 
one  chance. 

When  our  captain  was  ready  to  sail,  the  passengers 
repaired  on  board,  and  amongst  others  a  rich  old  gentleman 
who  had  come  from  Mexico,  and  who  had  been  waiting 
for  a  passage  home  to  France.  He  was  very  ill  when 
he  came  on  board,  and  I  recommended  his  losing  a  little 
blood,  offering  my  services  on  the  occasion.  They  were 
accepted ;  the  old  gentleman  recovered,  and  we  were  very 
intimate  afterwards.  We  had  been  about  a  fortnight 
clear  of  the  island,  when  a  hurricane  came  on,  the  equal 
to  which  in  force  I  never  beheld.  The  sea  was  one  sheet 
of  foam,  the  air  was  loaded  with  spray,  which  was  thrown 
with  such  violence  against  our  faces  that  we  were  blinded ; 
and  the  wind  blew  so  strong  that  no  one  could  stand 
up  against  it.  The  vessel  was  thrown  on  her  beam  ends, 
and  we  all  gave  ourselves  up  for  lost.  Fortunately  the 
masts  went  by  the  board,  and  the  ship  righted.  But 
when  the  hurricane  abated,  we  were  in  an  awkward  pre- 
dicament;  the  spare  spars  had  been  washed  overboard, 
and  we  had  no  means  of  rigging  jury-masts  and  making 
sail.  There  we  lay  rolling  in  a  perfect  calm  which 
succeeded,  and  drifting  to  the  northward  by  the  influence 
of  what  is  called  the  Gulf  Stream. 

One  morning,  as  we  were  anxiously  looking  out  for 
a  vessel,  we  perceived  something  at  a  distance,  but  could 
not  ascertain  what  it  was. 

At  first  we  imagined  that  it  was  several  casks  floating, 
which  had  been  thrown  overboard,  or  had  forced  their 
way  out  of  the  hold  of  some  vessel  which  had  foundered 
at  sea.  But  at  last  we  discovered  that  it  was  an  enormous 
serpent,  coming  directly  on  towards  the  vessel,  at  the  rate 
of  fifteen  or  twenty  miles  an  hour.  As  it  approached, 
we  perceived  to  our  horror,  that  it  was  about  a  hundred 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  183 

feet  long,  and  as  thick  as  the  main-mast  of  a  seventy-four ; 
it  occasionally  reared  its  head  many  feet  above  the  surface, 
and  then  plunging  it  down  again  continued  its  rapid 
course.  When  it  neared  us  to  within  a  mile,  we  were 
so  alarmed  that  we  all  ran  down  below.  The  animal  came 
to  the  ship,  and  rearing  its  body  more  than  half  way 
out  of  the  water,  so  that  if  our  masts  had  been  standing, 
his  head  would  have  been  as  high  as  our  topsail-yards, 
looked  down  on  deck.  He  then  lowered  his  great 
diamond-shaped  head,  and  thrusting  it  down  the  hatchway, 
seized  one  of  the  men  in  his  teeth,  plunged  into  the  sea 
and  disappeared. 

We  were  all  horror-struck,  for  we  expected  his  re- 
appearance, and  had  no  means  of  securing  ourselves  below, 
every  grating  and  skylight  having  been  washed  over- 
board in  the  hurricane.  The  old  gentleman  was  more 
alarmed  than  the  rest.     He  sent  for  me  and  said, 

"  I  did  look  forward  to  once  more  seeing  my  relations 
in  France,  but  that  hope  is  now  abandoned.  My  name 
is  Fonseca,  I  am  a  younger  brother  of  a  noble  family  of 
that  name,  and  I  intended,  if  not  to  enrich  my  brother, 
at  least  to  endow  his  daughter  with  the  wealth  I  have 
brought  with  me.  Should  my  fears  be  verified,  I  trust 
to  your  honour  for  the  performance  of  my  request.  It 
is,  to  deliver  this  casket,  which  is  of  great  value,  into 
the  hand  of  either  one  or  the  other.  Here  is  a  letter  with 
their  address,  and  here  is  the  key ;  the  remainder  of  my 
property  on  board,  if  saved,  in  case  of  my  death,  is 
yours,  and  here  is  a  voucher  for  you  to  show  in  case  of 
necessity." 

I  took  the  casket,  but  did  not  tell  him  that  I  was  the 
husband  of  his  niece — as  he  might  have  disinherited  her 
for  having  married  so  much  below  her  rank  in  life.  The 
old  gentleman  was  right  in  his  supposition,  the  serpent 
returned  in  the  afternoon,  and  seizing  him  as  he  had  the 
sailor,  in  the  morning,  again  plunged  into  the  sea ;  and 
so  he  continued  bearing  two  or  three  off  every  day, 
until  I  was   the  only  one  left.      On  the   eighth   day  he 


1 84  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

had  taken  off  the  last  but  me,  and  I  knew  that  my  fate 
must  be  decided  in  the  evening ;  for  large  as  he  was,  he 
could  penetrate  every  part  of  the  ship,  and  could  draw 
you  to  him,  when  you  were  many  feet  distant,  by  suck- 
ing in  his  breath. 

There  happened  to  be  two  casks,  of  a  material  lately 
invented  in  England,  which  v/e  were  taking  to  France 
on  trial ;  during  the  hurricane,  one  had  burst,  and  the 
stench  proceeding  from  it  was  intolerable.  Although 
it  had  gradually  evaporated,  I  perceived  that  whenever 
the  serpent  approached  any  thing  that  had  been  defiled 
with  it,  he  immediately  turned  away,  as  if  the  smell  was 
as  unbearable  to  him  as  it  was  to  us.  I  don't  know  what 
it  was  composed  of,  but  the  English  called  it  coal  tar.  It 
struck  me  that  I  might  save  myself  my  means  of  this 
offensive  composition.  I  knocked  out  the  head  of  the 
remaining  cask,  and  arming  myself  with  a  broom  dipped 
in  it,  I  jumped  into  the  cask  which  contained  the  re- 
mainder, and  awaited  my  fate  with  anxiety.  The  serpent 
came  \  as  usual,  forced  his  head  and  part  of  his  body 
down  the  hatchway,  perceived  me,  and  with  eyes  darting 
fire  reached  out  his  head  to  seize  me.  I  dashed  the 
broom  into  his  mouth,  and  bobbed  my  head  immediately 
under  the  coal  tar.  When  I  lifted  it  up  again,  almost 
suffocated,  the  animal  had  disappeared.  I  crawled  out, 
and  looking  over  the  side,  perceived  him  lashing  the 
ocean  in  his  fury,  plunging  and  diving  to  rid  himself 
of  the  composition  with  which  I  had  filled  his  mouth. 
After  exhausting  himself  with  his  furious  endeavours, 
he  went  down,  and  I  saw  him  no  more. 

'*  Did  you  never  see  him  again  ?  "  inquired  the  pacha. 

"  Never  but  that  once ;  nor  has  the  animal  been  seen 
before  or  since,  except  by  the  Americans,  who  have 
much  better  eyes  than  the  people  of  Europe  can  boast 
of." 

The  vessel  drifted   to   the   northward  with  the   Gulf 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  185 

Stream,  until  she  was  close  to  the  land,  when  a  pilot  boat 
came  out  and  boarded  her.  The  people  belonging  to  her 
were  much  annoyed  to  find  me  on  board.  Had  there 
been  no  one  in  her,  they  would  have  claimed  the  whole 
vessel  and  cargo,  whereas  they  were  now  only  entitled 
to  one-eighth.  I  understood  English  enough  to  hear 
them  propose  and  agree  to  throw  me  overboard.  I  im- 
immediately  ran  down  below  to  secure  my  casket,  and 
when  I  returned  on  deck,  they  launched  me  over  the 
side.  I  sank  down,  and  diving  under  the  counter,  laid 
hold  of  the  rudder  chains,  unperceived  by  them.  In  the 
meantime  another  pilot  boat  came  to  us,  and  sent  her 
boat  or  board  ;  I  swam  to  it  and  was  hauled  in.  The 
captains  being  rivals,  I  was  taken  to  New  York  as  evidence 
against  the  people  who  had  attempted  my  life.  I  stayed 
there  just  long  enough  to  sell  my  seven-eighths  of  the 
cargo,  and  see  the  men  hung,  and  I  then  took  a  passage 
in  a  vessel  bound  to  Bourdeaux,  where  I  arrived  in 
safety.  From  thence  I  repaired  to  Toulon,  and  found 
my  dear  Cerise  as  beautiful  and  as  fond  as  ever. 

I  was  now  a  rich  man  ;  I  bought  a  large  estate,  with  a 
marquisate  attached  to  it.  I  also  purchased  the  chateau 
of  Fonseca,  and  made  a  gift  of  it  to  my  dear  wife.  I 
was  pleased  at  having  the  means  of  raising  her  again 
to  that  rank  in  society,  which  she  had  quitted  for  my 
sake.  For  some  years  we  lived  happily,  although  we  had 
no  children.  After  that,  events  happened  which  again 
sent  me  to  sea.  Such,  your  highness,  is  the  history  of 
my  Fourth  Voyage. 

"Well,"  observed  the  pacha,  "I  never  heard  of  so 
large  a  snake  before  ;  did  you,  Mustapha  ?  " 

"  Never,  your  highness ;  but  travellers  see  strange  things. 
What  is  to  be  the  extent  of  your  highness'  bounty  ? " 

"  Give  him  ten  pieces  of  gold,"  said  the  pacha,  rising 
from  the  throne,  and  waddling  behind  the  curtain. 

Mustapha  told  out  the  sequins.  "  Selim,  if  I  might 
advise  you,  it  would  please  his  highness  better,  if  you  con-^ 


1 86  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

tinued  more  at  sea,  and  dealt  a  little  more  in  the  marvellous. 
That  wife  of  yours,  Cerise,  as  you  call  her,  is  rather  a  bore." 

"  Well,  I'll  get  rid  of  her  to-morrow  -,  but  I  can  tell  you, 
vizier,  that  I  deserve  all  my  pay,  for  it's  rather  fatiguing 
work — besides,  my  conscience." 

"  Holy  prophet  !  hear  him  —  his  conscience  !  go, 
hypocrite,  drown  it  in  wine  to-night,  and  it  will  be  dead 
to-morrow  ;  and  don't  forget  to  kill  your  wife." 

"  Allow  me  to  observe,  that  you  Turks  have  very  little 
taste ;  nevertheless,  I  will  get  rid  of  her  after  your  own 
fashion,  for  she  shall  go  to  the  bottom  of  the  sea — Bashem 
ustun,  on  my  head  be  it." 


Chapter  XI 

The  next  morning  the  pacha  hurried  over  the  business  of 
the  day,  for  Mustapha  had  intimated  that  the  renegade 
considered  his  fifth  voyage  to  be  one  of  great  marvels. 
Selim  was  introduced  as  before,  and  commenced  the 
narrative. 

FIFTH  VOYAGE  OF  HUCKABACK. 

Your  highness  may  be  surprised,  that  being  In  the 
possession  of  wealth,  rank,  and  my  charming  Cerise,  I 
should  have  again  ventured  upon  the  treacherous  ocean. 
Of  course  your  highness  has  heard  of  the  revolution  which 
took  place  in  France,  and  all  the  horrors  which  attended  it. 

"  France  !  Yes,  I  believe  there  is  a  country  of  that 
name  ;  I  can't  say  that  I  ever  heard  of  the  revolution. 
Holy  prophet !  but  these  people  have  strange  ideas,"  con- 
tinued the  pacha  to  the  vizier ;  "  to  imagine  that  we  must 
know  or  care  about  what  is  going  on  in  their  barbarous 
countries.     You  may  proceed,  Huckaback." 

It  will  be  necessary  to  say  a  few  words  upon  the  subject, 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  187 

your  highness,  but  I  will  be  as  concise  as  possible.  One 
day,  a  party  of  men  from  my  native  city  (Marseilles), 
dressed  in  red  caps,  their  shirt  sleeves  tucked  up,  and 
armed  with  various  weapons,  surrounded  my  chateau, 
insisting  upon  my  immediately  informing  them  whether  I 
was  for  the  summoning  of  the  estates-general.  I  answered, 
most  certainly,  if  they  wished  it.  They  cheered  me,  and 
went  away. 

Shortly  afterwards,  they  came  to  ascertain  if  I  approved 
of  the  national  convention.  I  answered,  that  I  approved  of 
it  excessively.  They  were  satisfied,  and  again  disappeared. 
They  came  a  third  time,  to  inquire  if  I  was  a  republican,  to 
which  I  gave  the  affirmative.  A  fourth,  to  know  whether 
I  sided  with  the  Girondists ;  I  declared  myself  one  of  that 
party,  and  hoped  that  I  should  be  asked  no  more  questions. 
But  before  two  or  three  months  had  passed  away,  another 
party  came  to  ascertain  whether  I  was  a  real  Jacobin,  which 
I  solemnly  pronounced  myself  to  be  ; — a  second  time,  to 
know  whether  I  thought  proper  to  be  called  citizen,  or 
have  my  head  cut  off;  I  declared  in  favour  of  the  former, 
and  made  them  a  present  of  my  title  of  marquis.  But  at 
last  they  surrounded  my  house  with  loud  cries,  declaring 
that  I  was  an  aristocrat,  and  insisted  upon  carrying  my  head 
away  upon  a  pike.  This  I  considered  a  subject  of  remon- 
strance. I  assured  them  that  I  was  no  aristocrat,  although 
I  had  purchased  the  property,  and  that,  on  the  contrary,  I 
was  a  citizen  barber  from  Marseilles ;  that  I  had  relinquished 
the  title  of  marquis,  which  I  had  bought  with  the  property, 
and  had  therefore  no  claim  whatever  to  aristocracy.  But 
they  insisted  upon  proofs,  and  ordering  my  valets  to  bring 
down  the  materials,  desired  me  to  shave  a  dozen  of  their 
party.  I  shaved  for  my  life,  and  acquitted  myself  so  much 
to  their  satisfaction  that  they  all  embraced  me,  and  were 
about  to  depart,  when  one  of  the  women  demanded  that 
my  wife  (whose  aristocratical  descent  was  known)  should 
be  surrendered  up,  as  a  proof  of  my  sincerity.  We  all 
haveour  moments  of  weakness  ;  had  I  had  the  prudence  to 
comply  with  the  request,  things  would  have  ended  happily. 


1 88  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

but  I  was  foolish  enough,  although  I  had  been  married 
twelve  years,  to  demur  at  the  prospect  of  the  head  of  my 
charming  Cerise  being  carried  away  on  a  pike.  I  repre- 
sented to  them  (as  she  clung  to  me  for  protection),  that 
although  of  noble  descent,  she  had  reduced  herself  to  my 
level  by  marrying  a  citizen  barber.  After  a  short  consulta- 
tion, they  agreed  that  she  was  sufficiently  degraded  to  live. 
They  contented  themselves  v/ith  breaking  open  my  cellar, 
that  they  might  drink  my  health,  and  departed.  But,  your 
highness,  I  had  soon  cause  to  repent  of  my  folly.  Cerise 
was  a  charming  woman,  and  an  affectionate  wife  in  adversity, 
but  prosperity  was  her  ruin,  as  well  as  mine.  She  had 
already  had  an  affair  with  a  Comte,  who  had  lately  been 
dismissed  for  a  handsome  young  abbe ;  but  we  do  not 
mind  these  little  egaremens  in  our  country,  and  I  neither 
had  leisure  nor  inclination  to  interfere  with  her  arrange- 
ments. Satisfied  with  her  sincere  friendship  for  me,  I 
could  easily  forgive  a  few  trifling  infidelities,  and  nothing 
had  disturbed  the  serenity  or  gaiety  of  our  establishment 
until  this  unfortunate  expose  which  I  was  obliged  to  make, 
and  to  prove  the  truth  of  in  her  presence,  viz.,  that  I  had 
been  a  barber.  Her  pride  revolted  at  the  idea  of  having 
formed  such  a  connection,  her  feelings  towards  m.e  were 
changed  to  those  of  the  most  deadly  hatred ;  and  although 
I  had  saved  her  life,  she  ungratefully  resolved  to  sacrifice 
mine.  The  little  abbe's  head  had  been  taken  off  several 
weeks  before,  and  she  now  formed  a  liaison  with  one  of 
the  jacobin  associes,  on  condition  that  he  would  prove  his 
attachment,  by  denouncing  me  as  an  aristocrat. 

Fortunately,  I  had  notice  given  to  me  in  sufficient  time 
to  make  my  escape  to  Toulon.  Leaving  my  wife,  and, 
what  was  of  more  consequence,  the  whole  of  my  property, 
in  the  hands  of  the  jacobin,  I  joined  the  mob,  and  vowing 
vengeance  upon  all  aristocrats,  became  one  of  the  most 
violent  leaders  of  the  sans  culottes.  Two  months  afterwards, 
when  the  gates  of  Toulon  had  been  opened  to  the  army,  and 
I  was  assisting  at  a  noyade,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  my 
jacobin  locum  tenens,  who  had  been  denounced  in  his  turn^ 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  189 

tied  back  to  back  to  a  female ;  it  was  my  adored  Cerise. 
I  had  no  time  to  speak  to  her,  for  they  were  hurried  on 
board  of  the  vessel.  It  sank  with  them,  and  some  hundreds 
more ;  and  as  the  beautiful  auburn  hair  of  my  wife  was 
borne  up  from  her  shoulders,  upon  which  it  had  been 
hanging  loose,  and  floated  a  second  or  two  on  the  wave 
after  her  head  had  disappeared,  I  sighed  at  the  re- 
membrance of  the  transitory  enjoyment  of  competence  and 
love  which  I  had  shared  with  my  charming  Cerise. 

"And  is  she  really  dead  now,  Huckaback?"  inquired 
the  pacha. 

"  Yes,  your  highness,  she  is." 

"  Allah  karim — God  is  most  merciful.  There  is  an  end 
of  that  woman  at  last ;  now  the  story  will  go  on." 

I  have  reason  to  believe  that  I  should  have  become  a 
person  of  some  consequence  if  I  had  been  able  to  remain 
in  France,  but  another  foolish  attempt  on  my  part  to  save 
the  life  of  the  old  lawyer  at  Marseilles,  who  had  assisted 
me  in  recovering  part  of  my  father's  property,  rendered 
me  suspected.  Aware  that  between  suspicion  and  the 
guillotine  there  were  but  few  hours  of  existence,  I  con- 
trived to  get  on  board  of  an  Italian  brig  that  had  put  in 
from  stress  of  weather,  and  made  my  escape.  The  vessel 
was  bound  to  North  America  for  a  cargo  of  salt  fish,  to  be 
consumed  on  the  ensuing  Lent,  and  had  a  crew  of  fifteen 
men.  The  captain  was  very  ill  when  we  sailed,  owing,  as 
he  said,  to  a  cup  of  wine  which  his  wife  had  mixed  with 
her  tears,  and  persuaded  him  to  drink  at  their  parting.  He 
gradually  declined  as  we  proceeded  on  our  voyage,  until 
at  last  he  was  not  able  to  quit  his  bed ;  and  no  person  on 
board  except  myself  having  any  knowledge  of  keeping  a 
ship's  reckoning,  that  duty  devolved  upon  me. 

A  few  days  before  his  death,  the  captain  sent  for  me. 
**  Frangois,"  said  he,  "  my  wife  has  poisoned  me,  that  I 
might  not  return  to  interrupt  a  connection  which  she  had 
formed  during  my  absence.     I  have  no  children,  and  no 


190  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

relations  that  have  ever  cared  for  me.  I  am  the  owner  of 
the  cargo,  as  well  as  the  captain  of  this  vessel,  and  it  is  my 
intention  to  make  it  over  to  you  ;  I  consider  that  you  have 
the  greatest  claim  to  it,  as  there  is  nobody  on  board  except 
yourself  who  can  navigate  her.  Understand  me,  it  is  not 
out  of  any  particular  regard,  so  much  as  to  prevent  my 
wife  from  obtaining  my  property,  that  I  select  you  as  my 
heir ;  you  have,  therefore,  to  thank  heaven  for  your  good 
fortune,  more  than  you  have  me.  I  have  but  one  request 
to  make  in  return,  which  is,  that  you  will  faithfully  promise 
to  cause  five  hundred  masses  to  be  said  for  my  soul,  upon 
your  arrival  in  Italy." 

I  readily  made  the  promise  which  he  required,  and  the 
captain  drew  up  a  will,  which  he  read  and  executed  before 
the  whole  of  the  crew,  by  which  the  vessel  and  cargo  were 
made  over  to  me.  Two  days  afterwards  he  expired.  We 
sewed  him  up  in  a  hammock,  and  threw  him  overboard. 
Although  it  was  quite  calm  at  the  time,  a  gale  sprung  up 
immediately  afterwards,  which  eventually  increased  to  a 
hurricane. 

We  were  obliged  to  bear  up,  and  for  several  days 
scudded  under  bare  poles,  until  I  found  that  we  were  in 
the  very  centre  of  the  Atlantic,  out  of  the  track  of  any 
vessels.  Gradually  the  weather  became  more  settled,  and 
we  again  spread  our  canvas  to  the  breeze.  To  my 
surprise,  I  observed,  that  although  by  my  reckoning  we 
were  nearly  one  thousand  miles  from  any  land,  several 
aquatic  birds  were  hovering  about  the  ship,  of  a  description 
that  seldom  go  far  from  the  shore.  I  watched  them  as  the 
sun  went  down,  and  perceived  that  they  took  their  flight 
to  the  south-east.  Anxious  to  discover  any  land,  not 
hitherto  described,  I  steered  the  ship  in  that  direction 
during  the  night,  and  early  on  the  next  morning  we  found 
ourselves  close  to  an  island,  apparently  ten  or  fifteen  miles 
long,  very  high,  and  of  a  conical  shape,  which  I  knew  was 
not  laid  down  upon  any  chart.  I  resolved  to  examine  it, 
and  dropped  my  anchor  in  a  small  bay,  at  the  bottom  of 
which  a  few  houses  announced   that    it  was   inhabited ; 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  191 

although  I  could  not  distinguish  any  thing  like  guns  or 
fortification.  We  had  not  furled  our  sails,  when  a  boat 
shoved  off  from  the  shore,  and  pulled  towards  us.  She 
soon  came  alongside,  and  astonished  us  as  much  by  the 
peculiarity  of  her  structure,  as  by  the  appearance  of  the 
people  who  were  on  board. 

She  was  a  wide  canoe,  very  beautifully  carved  and  inlaid, 
or  rather  veneered,  with  gold  ornaments.  She  had  a  flag, 
hoisted  to  a  staff,  hanging  over  the  stern,  the  field  of 
which  was  white,  with  a  representation  of  a  fountain, 
worked  in  gold  thread,  in  the  centre.  The  three  men 
who  were  in  her,  particularly  the  one  seated  in  the  stern 
sheets,  were  very  richly  attired  in  dresses  worked  in  gold 
thread.  But  what  astonished  us  more  than  all  was  the 
peculiarity  of  their  complexions,  which,  although  they 
were  very  well-featured  men,  were  of  a  beautiful  light 
blue — their  eyes  black,  and  their  hair  of  a  rich  auburn. 

The  personage  in  the  stern  sheets  ascended  the  side,  and 
addressing  me  in  excellent  Portuguese,  inquired  if  I  could 
speak  the  language. 

I  answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  he  "hen  welcomed  us 
in  the  name  of  the  king,  upon  my  arrival  at  the  island — 
asking  me  the  number  of  my  crew,  whether  I  had  any 
sick  on  board,  and  many  other  particulars,  all  of  which  he 
noted  down  upon  tablets  of  gold,  with  a  piece  of  red 
cinnabar. 

Having  replied  to  all  his  interrogations,  I  then  obtained 
from  him  the  following  particulars,  viz.,  that  the  island 
had  been  originally  peopled  by  one  of  the  ships  belonging 
to  Vasco  de  Gama's  squadron,  which,  returning  from  the 
East  Indies  laden  with  the  produce  of  the  east,  and  speci- 
mens of  the  various  inhabitants  of  the  newly  discovered 
territories,  had  been  cast  away  and  utterly  wrecked. 
That  the  island,  which  otherwise  was  fertile  and  well 
stocked,  was  one  mine  of  gold,  which  in  the  absence  of 
other  metals,  they  were  necessitated  to  employ  for  every 
article  and  utensil  in  common  use.  But  the  greatest 
curiosity  which  the  island  contained,  was  a  fountain  of 


192  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

water  at  the  foot  of  the  centre  peak,  of  a  beautiful  colour, 
and  producing  longevity  to  those  who  drank  of  it ;  from 
which  it  had  received  the  name  of  the  Isle  of  the  Golden 
Fountain.  That  when  they  had  landed,  about  three 
hundred  years  ago,  they  consisted  of  various  nations  and 
colours,  male  and  female ;  but  the  climate  and  the  use  of 
the  waters,  had,  in  the  course  of  time,  produced  the 
change  in  their  complexions  which  we  beheld,  and  all 
the  inhabitants  were  now  of  that  peculiar  tint,  with  the 
exception  that  the  females  were  not  so  dark  as  the  men. 
Few  ships  had  ever  touched  there ;  and  the  crews  of  those 
who  had  fallen  in  with  the  island,  had  preferred  remaining, 
which  accounted  for  its  being  so  totally  unknown ;  that 
the  king  was  very  partial  to  strangers,  and  always  received 
them  at  his  palace,  which  was  built  close  to  the  Golden 
Fountain.  He  concluded  by  requesting  me  to  accompany 
him  on  shore,  and  pay  my  respects — stating,  that  if  I 
wished  to  quit  the  island,  his  majesty  would  permit  me  to 
load  my  vessel  v/ith  as  much  as  she  could  carry,  of  the 
metal  so  precious  in  other  countries,  but  so  little  valued  in 
this. 

I  must  acknowledge  that  I  was  quite  overjoyed  at  his 
narration.  I  considered  my  fortune  to  be  made,  and 
hastened  to  accompany  the  ambassador,  who  stated  that 
the  king  would  not  be  pleased  if  I  did  not  permit  the 
major  part  of  my  ship's  company  to  attend  me  to  the 
palace.  As  the  men  were  very  eager  to  go  on  shore  after 
the  account  which  they  had  heard,  and  he  assured  me 
that  the  wind  never  blew  home  in  the  bay,  which  was  on 
the  lee  side  of  the  island,  I  consented  to  their  wishes,  and 
allowed  all  but  two  to  quit  the  vessel. 

We  were  much  surprised  when  we  landed  at  the  village, 
to  perceive  that  even  the  pig-troughs,  posts,  and  rails,  and 
indeed  every  article  in  which  metal  could  be  employed, 
were  of  solid  gold ;  but  we  had  not  time  for  examination, 
as  we  found  several  sledges,  drawn  by  small  bullocks, 
waiting  for  us  near  the  beach. 

We  mounted,  and  the  animals  set  off  in  a  swift  canter, 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  193 

upon  a  smooth  and  ascending  road,  and  in  less  than  two 
hours  we  arrived  at  the  king's  palace,  which  was  an 
extensive  building,  not  very  remarkable  in  its  structure, 
excepting  the  unusual  sight  of  the  large  columns  of  gold, 
supporting  the  porticos,  which  extended  from  it  on  every 
side.  But  when  we  had  alighted  and  were  proceeding 
through  the  porticos,  I  was  astonished  at  the  wonderful 
finish  of  the  statues  which  embellished  them.  They  were 
mounted  on  plinths  of  the  burnished  metal,  and  carved  out 
of  a  sort  of  light  blue  chalcedony,  which,  joined  with 
their  masterly  execution,  gave  them  the  appearance  of 
life.  I  was  surprised  at  the  strange  attitudes  which  the 
sculptors  had  chosen  to  represent,  all  more  or  less 
distorted,  although  the  human  proportions  were  admirable. 
Some  appeared  as  if  they  had  been  placed  on  their  legs 
when  asleep,  others  laughing  or  crying,  nay,  one  or  two 
were  represented  in  the  act  of  vomiting.  Amongst  the 
whole  I  could  not  perceive  one  image  in  which  the  human 
form  was  represented  in  a  noble  or  graceful  posture,  and  I 
pitied  the  taste  of  those  who  could  have  employed 
workmen  of  such  extraordinary  talents  in  representing 
the  image  of  his  Maker,  under  such  a  degrading  variety  of 
postures.  I  was  about  to  make  this  remark  to  my 
conductor,  but  I  was  checked  by  the  remembrance,  that  I 
was  in  a  king's  palace,  not  in  a  studio  ;  and  that  kings 
have  their  fancies,  which  they  are  not  inclined  to  submit  to 
public  criticism. 

When  we  arrived  at  the  end  of  the  portico,  two  lofty 
doors  were  thrown  open,  and  we  were  struck  dumb  with 
the  magnificence  of  the  scene  which  presented  itself  to  our 
eyes. 

The  king  was  seated  on  a  throne  of  the  most  splendid 
workmanship ;  the  precious  metal  had  been  oxydised  to 
every  shade  of  colour,  and  was  wrought  in  beautiful 
Mosaic :  the  walls  and  ceiling  were  entirely  covered  with 
the  same,  in  some  parts  burnished,  to  reflect  as  mirrors,  in 
others  elaborately  carved  in  ornamental  fretwork,  as 
peculiar   from    the   elegance  of  its    design,   as  from   the 

P  N 


194  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

superiority  of  its  execution.  On  each  side  of  the  throne 
extending  to  the  door  at  which  we  entered,  were  a  row  of 
ladies,  and  behind  them  raised  on  a  platform  about  two 
feet  higher,  another  row  of  courtiers — all  dressed  in  stuffs 
of  clotii  of  gold,  which  were  embroidered  with  flowers  of 
variously  coloured  metal,  so  as  to  present  the  most  perfect 
imitation  of  nature.  The  women  were  very  fair  compared 
to  the  men,  and  their  cerulian  tint  was  far  from  being 
disagreeable,  as  it  gave  a  transparency  to  their  com- 
plexions; but  none  of  them  could  be  compared  to  the 
king's  daughter,  who  was  nearly  white,  and  of  the  most 
perfect  symmetry  in  feature  and  in  form  ;  her  auburn  hair 
was  so  long,  that  it  hung  down  to  the  bottom  of  her 
dress,  and  was  ornamented  with  small  chains  and 
ornaments  of  polished  steel,  which  were  entwined  in  its 
tresses.  She  sat  at  the  foot  of  the  throne,  near  to  the 
king,  and  I  was  so  astonished  at  her  heavenly  appearance, 
that  I  could  not  remember  the  compliments  which  I  had 
intended  to  pay  his  majesty,  but  remained  speechless  before 
him. 

The  king  received  us  very  graciously,  asking  me  many 
questions,  and  broke  up  the  audience  (after  half  an  hour), 
desiring  some  of  the  handsomest  ladies  to  select  one  of  my 
companions,  and  each  hold  herself  responsible  for  his 
comfort  and  amusement.  I  forgot  to  mention,  that  as 
every  country  has  its  peculiar  customs,  one  here  appeared 
to  me  very  singular.  "When  I  asked  the  Gentleman  usher 
what  was  the  usual  homage  paid  to  the  king  of  the 
•country,  he  informed  me  that  you  advanced  your  hand 
before  you,  on  a  level  with  your  face,  and  snapped  your 
fingers  at  him.  That  the  louder  you  could  snap  them,  the 
more  accomplished  and  elegant  you  were  considered.  But 
in  my  confusion  I  quite  forgot  his  injunctions  ;  and  it  was 
not  until  the  ladies  all  snapped  their  fingers  in  obedience 
to  the  commands  of  their  sovereign,  that  I  recollected  the 
omission  which  I  had  been  guilty  of.  Before  the  king 
retired,  he  intimated  that  he  expected  we  should  take  up 
our  abodes  at  the  palace  for  some  days,  and  we  should 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  195 

have  the  honour  of  sitting  at  his  table,  in  the  afternoon's 
banquet. 

The  whole  of  the  company  separated ;  those  who  had 
charge  of  my  companions  leading  them  different  ways, 
leaving  me  alone  with  the  princess,  who  had  risen  from 
her  seat  when  directed  by  her  father  to  take  charge  of 
me.  I  could  have  fallen  down  and  worshipped  her :  as 
it  was,  I  involuntarily  dropped  on  one  knee,  and  looked 
up  in  her  face  as  if  I  had  been  contemplating  a  celestial 
visitant. 

She  smiled  and  addressed  me  :  "  I  am  ordered  to  attend 
to  your  happiness  and  comfort,  and  I  obey  my  father's 
commands  with  pleasure.  I  only  trust  that  your  happiness 
may  be  more  lasting  than  it  usually  is  in  this  deceitful 
world,"  and  she  sighed  deeply. 

I  continued  in  my  position  at  her  feet,  and  encouraged 
by  her  urbanity,  poured  forth  a  torrent  of  what  to  the 
many  are  considered  compliments,  but  which  to  her  were 
but  truths.  I  became  eloquent  from  excitation,  and  being 
at  this  time,  as  I  before  observed  to  your  highness,  a  very 
personable  man,  I  perceived  that  she  was  pleased  with 
my  efforts  to  obtain  her  favour. 

"  I  have  more  than  once  had  this  duty  allotted  to  me, 
when  strangers  have  visited  the  island,"  observed  she; 
"  but  I  have  always  been  wearied,  and  have  called  in  my 
women  to  assist  me.  I  never  yet  have  seen  one  like  you ; 
you  are  gentle,  and  of  a  very  different  description  from 
those  who  generally  have  been  introduced  as  the  captains 
of  vessels  which  have  arrived  here.  I  then  was  indifferent, 
if  not  glad,  when  my  duty  was  at  an  endj  but  I  feel 
otherwise  now  " — and  she  again  sighed. 

"  If  it  depended  upon  me,  fair  princess,  and  upon  my 
wishes,  I  am  afraid  that  you  would  consider  the  duration 
of  it  to  be  most  tedious.  Never  have  I  beheld  any 
creature  so  perfect  and  so  beautiful !  O  that  your  task 
might  be  continued  for  the  term  of  my  existence !  " 

"It  probably  may,"  answered  she,  gravely,  and  then, 
as  if  recollecting  herself,  she  assumed  a  more  cheerful 


196  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

air,  and  continued:  "but  we  are  losing  time,  which 
should  be  otherwise  employed.  Come,  sir,  permit  me 
to  obey  my  father's  commands,  and  try  to  beguile  the 
hours  by  contributing  to  your  amusement." 

Offering  me  her  hand,  which  I  respectfully  raised  to 
my  lips,  she  then  conducted  me  over  the  palace,  directing 
my  attention  to  every  object  that  she  considered  worthy 
of  notice ;  and  we  had  passed  two  or  three  hours  in 
conversation,  and  remarks  upon  the  objects  before  us, 
when  I  expressed  my  wish  to  behold  the  curious  fountain 
from  which  the  island  took  its  name. 

"  I  shall  obey  you,"  replied  she :  and  again  her  face 
assumed  a  mournful  cast.  She  led  the  way  to  a  hall  of 
black  marble,  in  the  centre  of  which  the  fountain  threw 
up  its  water  to  the  height  of  twelve  or  fourteen  feet, 
and  fell  into  a  spacious  basin.  The  water  of  it,  when 
in  a  body,  shone  with  all  the  colours  of  the  rainbow, 
and  the  sparkling  drops  which  were  thrown  out  on  every 
side,  were  brilliant  as  the  purest  gold. 

"How  beautiful!"  exclaimed  I,  after  some  minutes 
of  silent  admiration.  "  These,  then,  are  the  waters  of 
longevity." 

"  And  also  of  intoxication,"  replied  the  princess. 
"  They  will  be  produced  at  the  banquet  of  the  king , 
and,  O  sir !  be  temperate,  very  temperate,  in  the  use 
of  them." 

I  promised  that  I  would,  and  we  continued  our  walk 
to  the  porticos  of  the  palace,  where  I  pointed  to  the 
statues  of  blue  chalcedony,  and  begged  her  to  inform 
me  by  whom  they  had  been  executed,  and  why  they 
were  all  in  such  grotesque  and  absurd  positions. 

"  That  is  a  question  which  I  cannot  answer,  further 
than  that  they  were  made  in  the  island.  We  must  now 
return,  as  the  king's  banquet  will  be  ready." 

We  sat  down  at  the  table  of  the  king,  that  is  to  say, 
I  and  my  companions ;  for  no  courtiers,  male  or  female, 
were  permitted  to  have  the  same  honour.  Each  lady 
stood  behind  the  person  who  had  been  intrusted  to  her 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  197 

charge,  and  waited  upon  him.  My  gallantry,  as  a 
Frenchman,  was  sorely  wounded  at  the  idea  of  my 
charming  princess  performing  the  duties  of  a  menial, 
and  I  expressed  my  feelings  to  her  in  a  low  tone  of 
voice.  She  shook  her  head,  as  if  to  rebuke  me,  and 
I  said  no  more.  When  we  had  finished  the  banquet, 
his  majesty  ordered  the  water  of  the  golden  fountain  to 
be  produced,  which  it  immediately  was,  by  those  in 
attendance,  and  extolling  its  virtues,  desired  a  cup  to 
be  filled  for  each  guest,  which  was  handed  to  him  by 
the  attendant  ladies. 

As  the  princess  presented  the  cup,  she  contrived  to 
press  one  of  her  fingers  against  mine,  before  she  removed 
them,  to  remind  me  of  my  promise.  I  drank  but  sparingly, 
but  the  effects  were  instantaneous — my  spirits  rose  buoyant, 
and  I  felt  a  sort  of  intellectual  intoxication.  At  a  sign 
made  by  the  king,  the  ladies  now  took  their  seats  beside 
us,  and  by  their  attentions  and  caresses,  increased  the 
desire  for  the  water,  which  they  supplied  in  abundance. 
I  must  confess  that  at  each  sip  that  I  took,  the  princess, 
who  had  taken  her  seat  by  me,  appeared  so  much  more 
charming  in  my  eyes,  that  notwithstanding  the  repeated 
pressure  of  her  foot  to  remind  me  of  my  promise,  I  could 
not  resist  the  impulse  to  drink. 

The  boatswain  and  one  of  the  seamen  were  very  drunken 
characters,  and  had  very  soon  poured  down  so  much  of  the 
water,  that  they  dropped  off  their  stools  on  the  marble 
pavement,  without  sense  or  motion.  This  recalled  me  to 
my  senses,  which  were  rapidly  stealing  away ;  I  rose  from 
my  seat,  and  pointing  out  to  my  companions  that  it  would 
ill  become  them  to  intoxicate  themselves  in  the  presence  of 
his  majesty,  requested  that  they  would  drink  no  more,  but 
leave  the  table  before  they  were  incapacitated  from  paying 
the  proper  attentions  to  their  fair  conductors.  The  last 
argument  had  more  weight  than  the  first,  and  notwith- 
standing the  remonstrances  of  the  king,  who  showed  the 
greatest  anxiety  that  we  should  remain,  the  party  rose 
from  the  table  and  separated.     The  two  men  who  were 


198  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

intoxicated  were  carried  away  by  some  of  the  courtiers, 
and  the  king  with  marks  of  displeasure  quitted  the  hall. 
I  was  again  left  alone  with  my  charming  princess,  and 
inflamed  with  the  exhilarating  draught  which  I  had  taken, 
I  threw  myself  at  her  feet,  declaring  my  violent  passion, 
and  my  wish  never  to  quit  the  island,  if  I  could  be  blessed 
with  a  reciprocal  feeling  on  her  part.  I  perceived  that  I 
had  made  an  impression,  and  following  up  my  success,  I 
protested  and  she  listened,  until  the  evening  closed  in  and 
found  us  still  seated  upon  the  steps  of  the  throne.  At 
last,  she  rose  and  said,  "  I  know  not  whether  you  be 
sincere  in  what  you  say,  but  I  must  acknowledge  that  I 
hope  you  are  ;  and  I  shall  be  very  miserable  if  it  should 
prove  otherwise.  But  you  are  now  under  the  effects  of 
the  intoxicating  water,  and  may  deceive  yourself.  Come, 
sir,  it  is  time  that  I  conduct  you  to  your  chamber,  where 
you  must  sleep  away  the  exhilarating  effects  of  the  golden 
fountain.  To-morrow  morning,  if  you  are  of  the  same 
opinion,  I  may  be  induced  to  make  a  discovery." 

The  next  morning  I  awoke  without  any  headache  from 
the  intemperance  of  the  previous  night.  As  soon  as  I 
quitted  the  apartment  I  met  the  princess  outside.  "  I  am 
still  in  the  same  mind,  dear  princess,"  said  I,  implanting  a 
kiss  upon  her  hand,  "  to  live  for  you  alone,  or  die  if  I 
cannot  remain  with  you." 

She  smiled  and  answered,  "  Then  for  you  will  I  sacrifice 
every  thing;  for  until  I  beheld  you,  I  never  was  aware 
that  I  had  a  heart.  Rise  and  follow  me,  and  you  shall 
know  all." 

We  passed  the  large  hall,  with  which  the  whole  of 
the  bed-chambers  communicated,  and  she  conducted  me 
through  a  dark  passage  to  a  room,  in  which  were  several 
golden  plinths  without  statues.  At  the  further  end  of  it 
I  perceived,  to  my  horror,  that  two  of  them  were  already 
occupied  with  the  forms  of  the  boatswain  and  sailor  who 
had  been  intoxicated  the  night  before.  They  were  now 
changed  into  the  same  blue  chalcedony  of  which  the 
statues  in  the  porticos  were  composed. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  199 

"  Do  you  recognise  these  figures  ? "  inquired  the  prin- 
cess. 

*'  I  do,  indeed,"  answered  I  with  amazement. 

"  Such  are  the  effects,"  continued  she,  **  of  intoxication 
from  the  water  of  the  golden  fountain.  They  contain  in 
solution  so  large  a  quantity  of  the  matter  which  by 
mineralogists  is  denominated  silex,  that  once  allow  the 
senses  to  be  overpowered  by  repeated  draughts,  and  in 
a  few  hours  the  effects  which  you  behold  will  be  produced. 
It  is  by  these  means  that  my  father  has  obtained  the  variety 
and  number  of  statues  which  you  have  seen — all  of  whom 
were  once  visitors  to  the  island  in  different  ships,  not  one 
of  the  crews  of  which  have  ever  returned.  It  has  also  the 
power  of  producing  longevity,  and  hardening  the  hearts 
of  those  who  use  it  in  moderation.  My  father's  cruelty, 
therefore,  is  not  thought  of  by  his  subjects,  who,  if  con- 
victed of  any  heinous  crime,  are  forced  to  drink  this  water, 
and  are  erected  as  monuments  of  his  displeasure  in  various 
parts  of  the  island.  You  may  ask,  how  is  it  that  I  have 
not  as  little  remorse  as  the  other  inhabitants  ?  The  fact  is, 
that  I  was  naturally  of  a  kind  and  tender  heart ;  and  my 
mother,  who  lamented  it  because  she  felt  that  it  would  not 
add  to  my  happiness  in  this  world  of  cruelty  and  deceit, 
was  more  than  ever  anxious  that  I  should  drink  the  waters  ; 
but  what  is  forced  upon  us  in  childhood,  is  generally 
remembered  as  we  grow  up  with  disgust.  The  conse- 
quence is,  that  I  have  never  used  the  waters  since  her 
death,  which  happened  when  I  was  but  seven  years  old. 
Had  I  not  made  this  discovery,  in  all  probability  you  and 
all  your  companions  would  have  fallen  victims  this  evening, 
when  the  banquet  will  be  spread  and  the  water  will  be 
produced  as  before.  My  prepossession  in  your  favour  has, 
I  trust,  been  the  means  of  preserving  the  lives  of  those 
who  remain." 

**  Cursed  treachery  !  "  exclaimed  I ;  "  and  now,  what  is 
to  be  done  ? " 

"  You  must  escape.  Caution  your  men  not  to  drink 
this  evening,  and  make  some  excuse  to  repair  on  board  for 


200  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

an  hour  or  two  in  the  forenoon  of  to-morrow.  As  for 
me " 

**  Without  you,  princess,  I  cannot — will  not  go.  Either 
consent  to  accompany  me,  or  here  I  stay,  risking  all ;  for 
I  had  sooner  be  a  senseless  statue  upon  a  plinth  in  the 
portico  of  your  abode,  than  quit  the  island  with  a  broken 
heart." 

**  Then  he  is  true  ;  and  there  are  some  who  are  good — 
some  who  are  not  deceitful  in  this  world  ;  "  exclaimed  the 
princess,  failing  on  her  knees,  as  the  tears  trickled  down  her 
cheeks.  "  I  am  sure  you'll  treat  me  kindly,"  continued  she, 
holding  my  hand  in  hers ;  "if  you  do  not,  I  shall  die." 

I  pressed  her  to  my  bosom,  and  vowed  to  love  her  till 
death  ;  and  we  hastened  back  to  my  chamber,  that  we 
might  consult  upon  our  arrangements.  I  found  an  oppor- 
tunity, in  the  course  of  the  forenoon,  to  acquaint  all  my 
companions  of  their  danger,  except  one  whom  I  could  not 
meet  with. 

In  the  evening  we  again  sat  down  to  the  banquet,  and 
soon  after  the  water  had  been  produced,  the  one  who  had 
not  been  warned  fell  off  his  chair  in  a  state  of  intoxication. 
I  made  this  an  excuse  for  drinking  no  more.  Assuming 
an  angry  tone  towards  my  companions,  I  apologised  to  the 
king  for  their  want  of  respect  in  his  presence,  and  rose 
from  the  table  in  spite  of  all  his  remonstrances.  The 
next  morning  I  stated  to  the  king  that  I  wished  to  return 
to  my  ship  for  an  hour  or  two,  that  I  might  bring  him  a 
present  of  ivory,  which  I  had  been  informed  would  be 
acceptable.  The  princess  offered  to  attend  us,  and  the 
king,  satisfied  with  her  surveillance,  consented  to  our  de- 
parture, on  condition  that  we  would  not  fail  to  return  in 
time  for  the  banquet,  which  we  most  faithfully  promised. 
While  the  sledges  were  preparing,  I  requested  the  princess 
to  obtain  several  flasks  of  the  golden  water,  that  I  might 
present  them  as  curiosities  to  all  the  learned  societies  in 
Europe.  This  she  accomplished,  and  stowing  them  in  her 
own  sledge  with  several  articles  of  wearing  apparel,  not 
only  took  them  from  the  palace  unperceived,  but  they  were 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  201 

carried  on  board  without  the  knowledge  of  my  companions. 
I  immediately  cut  my  cables,  and  made  all  sail  out  of  the 
bay  without  any  molestation,  as  the  natives  did  not  suspect 
my  intentions ;  I  never  felt  more  happy  than  when  I  found 
myself  once  more  floating  on  the  wave,  in  company  with 
my  beautiful  princess,  whose  affectionate  manners  endeared 
me  to  her  more  and  more  every  day. 

Unfortunately,  in  our  hurry  to  escape,  we  quite  over- 
looked the  circumstance  of  our  water  casks  being  nearly 
empty,  and  we  were  soon  reduced  to  half  a  pint  per  diem. 
To  render  our  situation  more  disastrous,  the  weather 
became  intensely  hot,  and  the  people,  in  spite  of  all  my  re- 
monstrances, contrived  every  night  to  steal  a  part  of  the 
water  which  was  not  yet  expended,  so  that  at  last  we 
found  ourselves  becalmed,  without  a  drop  of  water  on 
board. 

But  all  my  apprehensions  were  now  swallowed  up  by  one 
of  greater  interest.  A  fever  seized  my  dear  princess,  who, 
accustomed  to  every  luxury,  and  a  beautiful  climate,  could 
not  bear  up  against  the  close  confinement  of  a  vessel  under 
a  tropical  sun.  Notwithstanding  all  my  care  and  attention, 
in  three  days  after  she  was  attacked  she  expired  in  my 
arms,  blessing  me  for  my  attachment  and  my  love,  and 
regretting  that  she  was  summoned  from  the  world  so  soon 
after  she  had  discovered  that  there  was  an  object  in  it  worth 
living  for.     I  threw  myself  upon 

Here  the  renegade  appeared  to  be  much  affected  ;  he 
covered  his  face  with  the  wide  sleeve  of  his  under  garment, 
and  was  silent. 

"  By  God  and  his  prophet,  these  Franks  are  great  fools 
about  women,"  observed  the  pacha  to  Mustapha.  "I 
must  own,  though,  that  I  like  this  princess  better  than 
Cerise,  and  I  am  very  sorry  that  she  is  dead.  Come, 
Huckaback,  go  on.     Where  did  you  throw  yourself  ?  " 

On  her  body  (continued  the  renegade,  mournfully), 
where  I  remained  for  many  hours.     At  last  I  rose  in  a 


202  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

frenzy  quite  indifferent  as  to  life  or  death.  I  went  on  deck, 
where  I  found  my  crew  much  in  the  same  condition,  from 
their  agonising  thirst ;  but  I  mocked  them,  and  laughed  at 
the  smooth  expanse  of  water,  which,  far  as  the  eye 
could  reach,  was  not  rippled  by  the  slightest  breeze,  and 
turned  my  eyes  up  in  derision  to  the  sun,  who  poured 
down  his  vertical  streams  of  light  and  heat,  as  if  he  would 
consume  us  with  his  powerful  rays.  I  thought  but  of  one 
subject,  I  had  but  one  desire,  which  was,  to  rejoin  the 
object  of  my  adoration.  On  a  sudden  I  called  to  mind  the 
flasks  of  golden  water,  which  till  then  I  had  forgotten,  and 
rushing  down  into  the  cabin,  I  determined  to  intoxicate 
myself,  and  quit  this  world  of  disappointment  and  un- 
realised fruition.  As  if  fearful  that  the  spirit  of  my  loved 
princess  should  have  already  so  far  journeyed  to  the  realms 
of  bliss,  that  I  might  not  be  able  to  discern  her  when  I  had 
shaken  off  the  incumbrance  of  an  earthly  body,  and  was  at 
liberty  to  pursue,  I  seized  a  flask,  and  pouring  out  the 
water  with  a  hand  trembling  with  anxiety,  drank  off*  a 
glass.  I  was  hastily  refilling  it,  when  the  gurgling  sound 
struck  upon  the  ears  of  my  companions,  who  rushing  down 
like  the  fainting  animals  who  hear  the  music  of  the  fountain 
in  the  desert,  poured  tumultuously  into  the  cabin,  and  in 
spite  of  all  my  remonstrances  to  leave  me  sufficient  for  the 
completion  of  my  desires,  seized  upon  the  flask  in  my  hand, 
as  well  as  upon  all  those  that  remained,  emptied  them  in  a 
few  seconds  with  their  copious  draughts,  and  returned 
laughing  and  shouting  to  the  deck  above. 

The  water  which  I  had  already  drunk  produced  one 
good  effect ;  it  hardened  my  heart  for  the  time,  and  I 
fell  into  a  sort  of  stoical  indifference,  which  lasted  many 
hours.  I  then  repaired  on  deck,  where  I  found  all  my 
companions  changed  into  blue  chalcedony — not  one  alive. 
The  heavens,  too,  had  changed  ;  clouds  obscured  the  sun, 
the  wind  was  rising,  and  ever  and  anon  a  mournful  gust 
blew  through  the  shrouds  ;  the  birds  were  screaming  on 
the  wing,  and  the  water  line  of  the  black  horizon  was 
fringed   with   a   narrow   ridge   of   foam.      The   thunder 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  203 

rolled  at  a  distance,  and  I  perceived  that  convulsion  of  the 
elements  was  at  hand.  The  sails  were  all  set,  and  with- 
out assistance  I  could  not  reduce  them  ;  but  I  was  in- 
different to  my  fate.  The  lightning  now  darted  in  every 
direction,  and  large  drops  of  rain  pattered  on  the  deck. 
With  the  means  of  existence,  the  desire  of  life  returned : 
I  spread  out  the  spare  sails,  and  as  the  torrents  descended, 
and  the  vessel  bowed  to  her  gunwale  in  submission  of 
the  blast,  I  filled  the  empty  casks.  I  thought  of  nothing 
else  until  my  task  was  completed.  I  strode  carelessly 
over  the  bodies  of  my  companions,  the  sails  were  blown 
from  the  yards,  the  yards  themselves  were  snapped 
asunder,  the  topmasts  fell  over  the  sides,  the  vessel  flew 
before  the  boiling  surge ;  but  I  heeded  not — I  filled  the 
casks  with  water.  When  I  had  finished  my  labours,  a 
reaction  took  place,  and  I  recollected  the  loss  which  I 
had  sustained.  I  descended  to  the  cabin.  There  she 
lay  in  all  her  beauty.  I  kissed  the  cold  cheek,  I  wrapped 
up  the  adored  image,  carried  it  on  deck,  and  launched  it 
into  the  wave  j  and,  as  it  disappeared  under  the  raging 
billows,  I  felt  as  if  my  heart,  in  its  struggles  to  escape, 
had  burst  the  strings  which  confined  it  in  my  bosom,  and 
had  leapt  into  the  angry  flood  to  join  her.  Exhausted 
with  my  feelings,  I  fell  down  in  a  swoon ;  how  long  I 
remained  I  cannot  exactly  say,  but  it  was  nearly  dark 
when  I  lost  my  recollection,  and  broad  daylight  when  I 
recovered.  The  vessel  was  still  flying  before  the  gale, 
which  now  roared  in  its  resistless  fury ;  the  tattered 
fragments  of  the  sails  were  blown  out  before  the  lower 
yards  like  so  many  streamers  and  pennants,  and  the  wrecks 
of  the  topmasts  were  still  towing  alongside  through  the 
foaming  surge.  The  indurated  bodies  of  my  companions 
were  lying  about  the  decks,  washed  by  the  water  which 
poured  into  the  vessel,  as  she  rolled  deeply  from  one 
side  to  the  other,  presenting  her  gunwales  as  if  courting 
the  admittance  of  the  wave.  "  Are  you,  then,  tired  of 
your  existence,  as  well  as  I  ? "  thought  I,  apostrophising 
the  vessel.      "  Have  you   found  out    at  last,   that  while 


204  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

you  swim  you've  nought  to  encounter  but  difficulty  and 
danger  ?  That  you  enter  your  haven  but  to  renew  your 
tasks,  and  again  become  a  beast  of  burthen ;  that  when 
empty  you  must  bow  to  the  slightest  breeze,  and  when 
laden  must  groan  and  labour  for  the  good  of  others. 
Have " 

"  Holy  prophet !  I  never  heard  of  people  talking  to 
ships  before,  and  I  don't  understand  it,"  observed  the 
pacha.  "  Leave  out  all  you  said  to  the  ship,  and  all  the 
ship  said  to  you  in  reply,  and  go  on  with  your  story." 

The  gale  lasted  for  three  days,  and  then  it  as  suddenly 
fell  calm.  I  had  observed  by  the  compass  that  we  had 
been  running  to  the  eastward,  and  I  supposed  that  we 
were  not  very  far  from  the  Western  Isles.  As  I  surveyed 
the  bodies  of  my  companions,  it  occurred  to  me  that  they 
ought  to  fetch  a  high  price  in  Italy  as  specimens  of  art, 
and  I  resolved  to  dispose  of  them  as  the  work  of  men. 
Having  no  other  employment,  I  brought  up  the  spare 
planks  from  below,  and  made  packing-cases  for  them  all. 
It  was  with  some  difficulty  that  I  contrived,  by  means 
of  tackles,  to  lower  them  to  the  hold,  which  I  succeeded 
in  accomplishing  with  safety  excepting  in  one  instance, 
when,  from  the  tackle-fall  giving  way,  the  image  fell  to 
the  bottom  of  the  vessel,  and  being  very  brittle,  was 
broken  into  pieces.  As  it  was  no  longer  of  any  value 
as  a  statue,  I  broke  it  up  to  examine  it,  and  I  can  assure 
your  highness  that  it  was  very  wonderful  to  witness  how 
every  part  of  the  human  body  was  changed  into  flint,  of 
a  colour  corresponding  with  that  which  it  had  been  when 
living.  The  heart  was  red,  and  on  my  arrival  in  Italy 
I  had  several  seals  made  from  it,  which  were  pronounced 
by  the  lapidaries  who  cut  them  to  be  of  the  finest  blood- 
red  cornelian.  I  have  now  a  piece  of  the  dark  stone  of 
which  the  liver  was  composed,  which  I  keep  for  striking 
a  light.  As  it  afterwards  proved,  almost  all  of  it  was 
valuable,  for  the  alternate  fat  and  lean  formed  a  variety 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  205 

of  beautiful  onyxes  and  sardonyx,  which  I  disposed  of 
very  advantageously  to  the  cameo  engravers.  I  was 
several  days  employed  in  packing  up,  but  I  had  plenty  of 
provisions  and  water,  and  had  no  doubt  but  that  I  should 
be  seen  by  some  vessel  before  they  were  expended. 
Three  weeks  had  elapsed,  when  one  morning  I  went  on 
deck,  and  saw  land  on  both  sides  of  me.  I  immediately 
recognised  the  Rock  of  Gibraltar,  and  the  Straits,  through 
which  I  was  drifting.  I  was  boarded  by  a  Spanish  gun- 
boat from  Algesiras,  and  having  stated  that  all  my  crew 
had  died  two  months  before  of  the  yellow  fever,  I  was 
towed  in,  put  into  quarantine  for  forty  days,  and  then 
permitted  to  equip  my  vessel  and  procure  sailors.  This 
I  was  enabled  to  do  by  selling  two  of  the  flasks  which 
held  the  water,  and  which,  like  all  the  other  utensils  of 
the  island  from  which  I  had  escaped,  were  of  pure 
gold. 

I  did  not  think  it  prudent  to  go  to  Leghorn,  where  not 
only  the  vessel  might  be  recognised,  and  the  widow  give 
me  some  trouble,  but  the  statues  also  might  have  been 
identified  as  the  men  who  had  sailed  in  the  vessel,  and 
occasion  my  being  burnt  as  a  necromancer  by  the  Inquisi- 
tion. I  directed  my  course  for  Naples,  where  I  arrived  in 
safety.  Having  disembarked  my  metamorphosed  crew,  I 
hired  a  large  room  to  exhibit  them,  and  expected  to  realise 
a  considerable  sum  *,  but  as  I  could  not  name  the  artist, 
and  the  figures  had  not  the  grace  which  the  Italians 
admire,  they  remained  on  my  hands,  and  were  even  found 
fault  with  as  not  being  well  executed.  I  sold  two  of  the 
least  prepossessing  to  a  Sicilian  nobleman,  who  I  under- 
stood had  a  large  country  seat  decorated  with  mon- 
strosities ;  and  I  then  determined,  as  I  had  received  a  high 
price  for  the  pieces  of  the  one  which  had  been  broken  up, 
to  retail  the  others  in  the  same  way.  It  answered  admir- 
ably, and  I  received  more  money  for  the  fragments  than  I 
had  asked  for  the  images  in  an  unmutilated  state.  The 
remainder  of  the  golden  flasks  also  realised  a  large  sum  ; 
I  produced  them  one  by  one,  and  disposed   of  them  to 


2o6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

English  collectors,  as  having  been  purloined  by  the  ex- 
cavators from  the  ruins  of  Pompeii.  I  had  now  plenty  of 
money,  and  resolved  to  return  to  my  native  city.  An 
opportunity  offering,  I  embarked,  and  safely  arrived  at 
Marseilles. 

"Did  you  fulfil  your  promise  to  the  Italian  captain,  by 
having  five  hundred  masses  said  for  his  soul  ? "  inquired 
Mustapha. 

"Upon  my  salvation!  I  never  thought  of  it  to  this 
moment,"  replied  the  renegade. 

"  Such,  your  highness,  are  the  adventures  of  my  Fifth 
Voyage  -,  and  I  trust  that  the  narration  of  them  has 
afforded  you  entertainment." 

"  Yes,"  observed  the  pacha,  rising,  "  that  was  some- 
thing like  a  voyage.  Mustapha,  give  him  thirty  pieces  of 
gold.  Huckaback,  we  will  hear  your  sixth  voyage  to- 
morrow " — and  the  pacha  retired  behind  the  screen,  and,  as 
usual,  went  into  the  apartment  of  the  women. 

"Pray,  Selim,  was  there  any  truth  in  that  history  of  the 
princess  ?  I  thought  at  first  that  it  was  all  invention ;  but 
when  you  wept " 

"  That  was  for  the  sake  of  effect,"  answered  the 
renegade :  "  when  I  get  warmed  with  my  story,  I  often 
work  myself  up  to  a  degree  that  I  almost  believe  it 
myself." 

"  Holy  prophet !  what  a  talent ! "  rejoined  Mustapha. 
"What  an  excellent  prime  minister  you  would  have  made 
in  your  own  country !  Here's  your  money  ;  will  your 
next  voyage  be  as  good  ?  " 

"  ril  try,  at  all  events  ;  as  I  find  that  the  principal 
increases  with  the  interest"  said  the  renegade,  chinking 
the  sequins  in  his  hand.  ^^Au  revoir,  as  we  say  in  France  "- — 
and  the  renegade  quitted  the  divan. 

"  Allah — what  a  talent !  "  muttered  the  vizier  to  him- 
self, as  the  renegade  disappeared. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  207 


Chapter  XII 

On  the  ensuing  day,  after  the  usual  business  of  the  divan 
had  been  gone  through,  the  renegade  was  called  in,  and 
taking  his  seat,  commenced  the  narrative  of  his  sixth 
voyage. 

SIXTH  VOYAGE  OF  HUCKABACK. 

May  it  please  your  highness. 

It  was  my  intention  to  have  remained  quietly  on  shore, 
after  so  many  hairbreadth  escapes  and  singular  adventures; 
but  I  found  France  so  changed,  that  I  was  disgusted  with 
my  own  country.  Every  thing  was  upside  down — the 
nobles,  the  wealthy,  the  talented,  either  were  murdered, 
or  living  in  abject  poverty  in  other  countries,  while  the 
lower  classes  had  usurped  their  place,  and  governed  the 
land.  But  what  decided  me  once  more  to  go  to  sea,  was 
that  the  continual  demands  for  fresh  levies  to  recruit  the 
republican  armies,  convinced  me  that  I  had  no  chance  of 
long  remaining  in  quiet.  Of  two  evils  I  preferred  what  I 
considered  to  be  the  least,  and  rather  than  die  in  a  ditch 
on  shore,  I  preferred  the  dangers  which  might  be  incurred 
afloat.  I  bought  a  large  ship,  and  fitted  her  for  a  voyage 
of  speculation  to  Lima  in  South  America.  As  the  English 
cruisers  covered  the  seas,  and  I  was  resolved  that  I  would 
not  be  taken  by  a  vessel  of  small  force,  I  shipped  with  me 
a  complement  of  forty  men,  and  had  twelve  guns  mounted 
on  her  decks.  We  escaped  through  the  gut  of  Gibraltar, 
and  steered  our  course  for  Cape  Horn,  the  southernmost 
point  of  America.  Nothing  worth  narrating  occurred 
until  we  made  the  land,  when  a  strong  adverse  gale  came 
on,  which,  after  attempting  in  vain  to  beat  against  it,  blew 
away  most  of  our  sails  and  finally  obliged  us  to  bear  up, 
and  run  away  to  the  southward  and  eastward. 

From   the   working   and   straining   of  the   vessel,  the 


2o8  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

decks  had  become  so  leaky,  that  the  water  ran  through 
every  part  of  the  ship.  Our  provisions  (particularly  our 
bread)  being  spoiled,  and  obliged  to  be  thrown  over- 
board, we  were  necessitated  to  be  put  upon  short  allow- 
ance. As  we  had  no  hopes  of  being  able  to  support 
ourselves  upon  v/hat  was  left  until  our  arrival  at  Lima, 
I  determined  to  run  for  the  nearest  island,  where  I  might 
obtain  a  fresh  supply,  and  then  renew  our  attempt  to  beat 
round  the  Cape.  I  was  in  some  doubts  where  to  proceed, 
but  after  running  eastward  for  a  fortnight,  we  discovered 
land  on  the  lee  bow,  which  I  considered  to  be  the  unin- 
habited Island  of  New  Georgia ;  but  as  we  approached  it, 
we  thought  that  we  perceived  people  on  the  beach,  and 
when  within  five  miles  we  could  plainly  distinguish  that 
they  were  soldiers  in  their  uniforms,  ranged  up,  rank 
and  file.  The  colour  of  their  clothes  could  not  be  made 
out  with  the  glass,  but  it  was  easy  to  be  distinguished  that 
they  had  yellow  facings ;  from  which  I  inferred  that  they 
were  our  enemies  the  English.  "  Peste ! "  thought  I, 
"  is  it  possible  that  these  grasping  islanders  have  made  a 
settlement  on  this  place  ?  Where  will  they  go  to  next  ?  " 
The  different  companies  appeared  to  be  from  one  to  two 
dozen  in  number ;  sometimes  they  stood  quite  still,  at 
others  they  walked  a  little  way  on  the  beach ;  but  they 
constantly  adhered  to  their  rank-and-file  position,  and  as 
I  could  not  perceive  that  they  had  any  muskets  in  their 
hands,  I  inferred  that  they  were  merely  practising  the 
marching  evolutions.  No  houses  or  fortifications  were 
distinguishable,  and  I  determined  to  run  the  ship  nearer 
in,  that  I  might  observe  their  motions.  I  did  so,  and 
when  within  two  miles,  I  again  rounded  to,  and  putting 
my  eye  to  the  glass,  perceived  to  my  astonishment  that 
a  whole  regiment  of  them  ran  into  the  surf,  and  re- 
appeared on  the  outside  of  it,  in  the  form  of  aquatic 
birds,  swimming  and  diving  in  every  direction.  I  now 
began  to  suspect,  that  it  was  an  enchanted  island,  and 
not  forgetting  the  lesson  of  the  Golden  Fountain,  I  made 
all  sail,  and  we  soon  left  it  out  of  sight  astern.     I  think 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  209 

it  right  to  state  to  your  highness,  that  on  mentioning  this 
circumstance  to  an  Englishman,  who  had  been  employed 
in  the  spermaceti  whale  fishery,  he  asserted  that  they 
really  were  birds,  called  Patagonian  penguins,  who  had 
often  deceived  others  by  their  martial  appearance.  He 
stated  that  they  had  no  wings,  but  only  flappers,  and 
when  on  shore,  invariably  stood  upright  like  men  in 
ranks — that  they  were  about  three  or  four  feet  high 
when  in  this  posture,  and  had  two  broad  yellow  streaks 
on  each  side  of  their  necks.  How  far  his  assertions  were 
true  I  do  not  know,  for  the  people  of  that  country,  who 
have  doubled  the  Cape,  consider  themselves  entitled  to 
tell  any  falsehoods  which  they  think  proper,  and  to  shoot 
you  if  you  venture  to  express  a  doubt  as  to  their  veracity ; 
one  of  my  chief  reasons  for  disliking  the  English  is,  that 
they  are  such  abominable  liars. 

We  now  steered  more  to  the  southward,  and  in  three 
days  discovered  another  small  island.  It  was  apparently 
well  wooded,  although  not  large.  We  hove  to,  to  wind- 
ward of  it,  and  not  perceiving  any  inhabitants,  I  lowered 
down  a  boat,  and  sent  the  first  mate  on  shore  to  re- 
connoitre. He  returned  in  an  hour,  informing  me  that 
the  island  was  covered  with  cocoa-nut  trees  in  full  bearing, 
and  that  he  had  seen  several  wild  pigs,  but  no  symptoms 
of  its  being  inhabited — that  there  was  no  anchorage  that 
he  could  discover,  as  the  shore  rose  perpendicularly,  like 
a  wall,  from  the  ocean.  We  therefore  ran  to  leeward, 
and  discovered  that  a  reef  of  coral  rocks  extended  nearly 
two  miles  from  that  side  of  the  island.  The  boats  were 
again  lowered,  and  after  surveying,  the  mate  reported 
that  there  was  a  passage,  with  plenty  of  water,  for  the 
ship,  through  the  very  centre  of  the  reef,  which  would 
bring  her  into  a  small  bay,  where  she  might  lay  in 
perfect  security.  Before  night  we  had  gained  the 
anchorage,  and  furled  sails.  The  next  morning  I  went 
on  shore  to  reconnoitre ;  we  found  some  springs  of  fresh 
water,  cocoa-nuts  and  other  trees  in  abundance,  and 
occasionally  fell  in  with  herds  of  wild  pigs,  which 
p  o 


2IO  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

appeared,  with  the  exception  of  birds,  to  be  the  only 
animals  that  existed  upon  the  island.  Satisfied  that  I 
now  had  an  opportunity  of  revictualling  my  ship,  I  un- 
bent my  sails,  struck  my  topmasts,  unrove  my  running 
rigging,  and,  in  short,  made  every  preparation  for  a  long 
stay.  I  then  sent  parties  on  shore  to  erect  tents,  and 
shoot  the  wild  pigs,  while  I  superintended  the  fixing 
of  coppers  on  the  beach  to  boil  the  salt  out  of  the  sea 
water,  which  would  be  necessary  for  curing  the  pro- 
visions. I  also  dug  shallow  pans  in  the  rock,  close  to 
the  water's  edge,  that  I  might  gain  as  much  salt  as 
possible  by  means  of  evaporation.  Every  thing  was 
prepared  in  the  course  of  the  day,  and  the  major  part  of 
my  ship's  company  were  landed,  and  slept  in  the  tents. 
In  three  days  we  had  salted  down  several  casks  of  pork, 
and  had  collected  a  large  quantity  of  cocoa-nuts. 

On  the  fourth  morning  I  heard  a  dispute  among  the 
men,  some  of  them  swearing  that  they  would  not  remain, 
and  that  the  ship  ought  to  go  to  sea  immediately. 
Astonished  at  these  remarks,  after  they  had  expressed 
themselves  so  well  pleased,  I  inquired  the  reason.  They 
answered,  that  there  was  magic  in  the  island,  and  on  my 
requiring  an  explanation,  they  took  me  to  the  salt  pans, 
which,  upon  our  arrival,  had  been  cut  in  the  rocks  within 
a  foot  of  the  water's  edge,  but  had  now  receded  from  the 
shore  to  a  distance  of  nine  or  ten  feet.  I  must  own  that 
I  was  surprised  at  the  circumstance,  which  was  quite 
unaccountable :  but  still  did  not  feel  inclined  to  leave 
the  island,  without  first  obtaining  the  necessary  supply 
of  provisions.  I  pointed  out  to  the  men,  that  although 
I  could  not  explain  so  strange  an  incident,  yet  as  we  had 
seen  and  heard  nothing,  and  should  certainly  starve  if 
we  went  to  sea  without  provisions,  it  would  be  better 
to  remain  until  we  had  procured  a  supply  :  observing  that 
it  was  not  impossible  that  the  water  might  have  receded, 
instead  of  the  island  having  advanced.  The  latter  remark 
seemed  to  quiet  them,  although  at  the  time  that  I  made  it, 
I  knew  it  to  be  incorrect,  as  the  rocks  above  water  near 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  211 

the  beach  were  not  higher  out  of  it  than  before.  This 
the  seamen  did  not  pay  attention  to,  and  I  took  care  not 
to  point  it  out  to  them.  They  agreed  with  my  sup- 
position, that  the  water  had  receded,  and  said  no  more 
about  it. 

We  remained  a  fortnight  longer,  during  which  the  same 
phenomenon  continued,  each  day  the  salt  pans  and  coppers 
being  further  off  from  the  beach.  At  last  the  men 
perceiving  that  the  rocks  did  not  rise  higher  from  the 
water  again  became  alarmed,  and  broke  out  into  open 
mutiny.  By  this  time  I  had  cured  a  sufficiency  of 
provisions,  and  I  made  no  objection,  indeed  I  must  confess 
that  I  was  by  no  means  easy  in  my  own  mind  at  these 
supernatural  appearances.  "We  struck  our  tents,  sent 
every  thing  on  board,  rove  the  rigging,  bent  the  sails, 
and  prepared  for  our  departure.  Soon  after  we  repaired 
on  board,  I  happened  to  cast  my  eyes  upon  the  lead  line, 
which  was  hanging  over  from  the  main  chains,  and 
observed  that  it  lay  in  a  bight ;  hauling  up  the  slack, 
I  found,  to  my  surprise,  that  instead  of  five  fathoms  water 
in  which  we  had  anchored,  we  were  in  less  than  three. 

At  first  it  occurred  to  me  that  this  was  a  floating  island, 
like  the  one  I  before  described,  and  that  it  was  gradually 
rising  more  to  the  surface  ;  but  this  idea  did  not  satisfy 
me.  Throwing  the  lead  and  line  in  the  boat,  I  pushed 
off,  and  sounded  in  several  directions,  and  had  the 
mortification  to  find  that  in  the  passage  which  the  ship  had 
entered,  there  was  now  not  sufficient  water  for  her 
to  go  out  again,  even  if  we  Were  to  have  discharged 
the  whole  cargo.  I  soon  discovered  the  cause  of  this 
apparent  mystery ;  for  as  I  went  further  out  on  the  reef, 
I  found  that  whole  trees  and  solid  masses  of  coral  had 
sprung  up  to  the  water's  edge,  in  parts  which  I  knew 
were  several  fathoms  deep  when  we  entered.  I  had  often 
heard  that  the  islands  in  these  seas  were  formed  by  corals, 
but  I  had  no  idea  of  the  rapidity  with  which  they  were 
extended. 

Your  highness  must   know  that  all  the  zoophite,  or 


212  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

animal  plants,  are  composed  of  small  insects,  who  work 
in  millions  under  the  water,  until  they  rise  to  the  top. 
Such  was  the  case  in  the  present  instance,  and  thus  by  the 
labours  of  the  minutest  of  the  creation,  in  the  short  space 
of  three  weeks  my  ship  was  shut  up  so  as  to  render  escape 
hopeless. 

I  returned  on  board,  and  explained  to  the  men  the  real 
cause  of  the  apparently  supernatural  effects  of  what  we 
had  witnessed.  Satisfied  that  my  assertions  were  correct, 
they  seemed  to  care  little  at  being  obliged  to  remain 
on  an  island  which  afforded  them  the  means  of  such 
comfortable  subsistence.  As  nothing  could  be  done  for 
the  ship,  we  went  on  shore  again,  and  repitching  the  tents, 
waited  quietly  until  we  might  be  taken  off  by  some  vessel 
who  should  chance  to  pass  that  way. 

In  a  fortnight  the  ship  was  aground,  and  the  island 
continued  to  increase  so  rapidly,  that  in  two  months  she 
was  raised  high  and  dry  out  of  the  water,  about  half 
a  mile  from  the  beach.  The  vegetation  seemed  to  advance 
as  regularly  and  as  rapidly  as  the  island,  and  after  the 
rainy  season  the  trees  had  grown  up  so  high,  that  the 
ship  was  completely  hid  in  a  large  wood,  and  it  was  just 
possible  to  see  her  lower  masts  above  the  branches.  For 
some  time  the  men  seemed  perfectly  contented.  We  had 
plenty  of  stores  in  the  ship  of  every  description  ;  the  cargo 
I  had  taken  on  board  was  chiefly  manufactures,  and  as  the 
island  provided  fresh  meat,  fish,  and  fruit,  they  were 
in  want  of  nothing.  But  sailors  are  such  changeable 
and  restless  beings,  that  I  really  believe  they  would  soon 
be  tired  of  paradise  itself.  After  a  sojourn  of  nine  months, 
during  which  they  perhaps  lived  better  than  they  ever  had 
before,  they  began  to  murmur  and  talk  of  getting  away 
in  some  manner  or  another.  As  my  cargo  was  valuable, 
I  was  in  hopes  that  a  vessel  would  visit  the  island,  and 
take  it  on  board :  I  therefore  made  every  remonstrance 
that  I  could  imagine  to  induce  them  to  wait  some  time 
longer;  but  they  would  not  listen  to  me,  and  made 
preparations   for  building   a  vessel  at   the  weather   side 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  213 

of  the  island,  out  of  the  materials  that  the  ship  afforded. 
The  reason  why  they  chose  the  weather  side  was,  that 
they  perceived  that  the  island  only  increased  to  leeward  ; 
whereas  to  windward  it  was  a  perpendicular  rock  of  coral, 
which  you  could  not  obtain  bottom  along-side  of,  with 
two  hundred  fathoms  of  line.  They  had  cut  a  slip 
out  of  the  rock,  and  were  already  occupied  with  driving 
out  the  bolts  and  fastenings  of  the  ship  that  was  shored 
up  in  the  woods,  when  one  evening  we  perceived  a  large 
fleet  of  canoes  coming  towards  us.  As  I  knew  that 
I  could  not  be  far  from  the  Sandwich  Islands,  I  immedi- 
ately pronounced  them  to  come  from  that  quarter,  in  which 
supposition  I  was  correct ;  for  although  the  island  was 
not  inhabited,  the  islanders  had  for  some  years  been 
aware  of  its  existence,  and  came  to  gather  the  crop  of 
cocoa-nuts  which  it  annually  produced.  I  advised  my 
men  to  keep  quiet  in  the  woods,  removing  the  tents 
and  every  object  that  might  create  suspicion  of  our 
being  on  the  island ;  but  they  were  of  a  different  opinion, 
and  as  they  had  lately  discovered  the  means  of  collecting 
the  toddy  from  the  cocoa-nut  trees,  and  distilling  arrack, 
they  had  been  constantly  drunk,  mutinous,  and  regardless 
of  my  authority.  They  thought  it  would  be  much  easier 
to  take  the  large  canoes  from  the  islanders,  and  appropriate 
them  to  their  own  use,  than  to  build  a  vessel,  and  not- 
withstanding my  entreaties,  they  persisted  in  their  resolu- 
tion to  make  the  attempt. 

As  the  canoes  approached,  we  counted  fourteen,  all  of 
a  very  large  size,  and  with  my  glass  I  could  distinguish 
that  they  had  fifty  or  sixty  persons  on  board  of  each, 
including  the  women.  I  pointed  this  out  to  the  sailors, 
stating  that  I  did  not  believe  there  were  more  than  ten 
women  in  each  canoe,  so  that  the  men  must  amount  to 
seven  hundred,  a  force  much  too  large  to  give  them  any 
chance  of  success  in  their  rash  intentions.  But  I  did  more 
harm  than  good;  the  mention  of  the  women  seemed 
to  inspire  them  with  fresh  ardour,  and  they  vowed 
that  they  would  kill  all   the  men,  and  then  would  be 


214  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

content  to  remain  on  the  island  with  the  women.  They 
armed  themselves  with  muskets,  and  retired  among  the 
trees  as  the  canoes  approached,  fearful  that  the  islanders 
would  not  land  if  they  were  discovered.  The  canoes  ran 
between  the  reefs,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  whole  of  the 
islanders  disembarked ;  not  conceiving  it  necessary  to 
leave  any  but  the  women  in  the  canoes,  the  water  being 
as  smooth  as  a  fish-pond. 

The  arrangements  of  my  men  were  certainly  very  good : 
they  allowed  the  islanders  to  go  up  to  the  tents,  which 
were  now  more  than  a  mile  from  the  beach,  and  then 
walking  down  under  cover  of  the  trees,  rushed  to  the 
canoes,  and  putting  one  man  in  each  with  their  muskets 
and  ammunition,  shoved  them  off  and  made  them  fast  to 
the  coral  rocks,  about  two  hundred  yards  distant.  The 
screams  of  the  women,  and  the  shoving  off  of  the  canoes, 
alarmed  the  men,  who  hastened  down  to  ascertain  the 
cause.  As  soon  as  they  came  within  half  musket  shot, 
the  sailors  who  were  on  shore,  amounting  to  twent57-five, 
fired  a  volley  out  of  the  wood,  which  killed  and  wounded 
a  great  number.  The  islanders  retreated  in  confusion, 
then  gave  a  loud  shout  and  advanced.  Another  volley 
was  fired,  and  they  again  retreated,  bearing  off  their  killed 
and  wounded.  They  now  held  a  consultation,  which 
ended  in  their  dividing  into  two  bodies,  one  of  which 
separated  from  the  other,  so  that  they  might  attack  the 
party  in  the  wood  from  two  different  points. 

In  the  meantime  several  of  the  women  leaped  overboard 
and  swam  on  shore,  and  the  men  in  the  boats  were  so 
busy  in  preventing  the  others  from  following,  that  they 
could  give  no  assistance  to  the  party  in  the  wood,  although 
they  were  within  musket-shot.  The  conduct  of  the 
islanders  puzzled  our  men,  and  although  I  had  taken  no 
part  in  this  murderous  attack,  yet  as  I  now  considered  my 
life  at  stake,  I  thought  that  I  must  assist.  I  therefore 
advised  them  to  retreat  to  the  ship,  which,  if  they  once 
gained  possession  of,  they  would  be  enabled  to  keep  the 
islanders  at  bay.     My  advice  was  followed,  and  creeping 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  215 

through  the  thick  underwood,  we  reached  the  ship  in 
safety,  having  climbed  up  by  rope-ladders,  which  were 
hanging  from  her,  to  enable  us  to  go  on  board,  to  fetch 
any  articles  we  required.  We  hauled  them  up  after  us, 
and  waited  the  issue.  In  a  few  minutes,  one  of  the  parties 
of  the  islanders  came  up,  and  seeing  the  ship  with  us  on 
board,  gave  a  loud  yell,  and  let  fly  their  spears.  We 
returned  a  volley  which  killed  many,  but  they  were  very 
brave,  and  continued  the  attack  although  we  fired  twenty 
or  thirty  rounds  with  great  execution. 

The  other  party  now  came  up,  and  the  conflict  con- 
tinued ;  they  made  every  attempt  to  climb  the  stern  and 
sides  of  the  vessel,  but  were  repulsed  ;  and  as  the  evening 
closed  in,  they  retired,  taking  away  their  killed  and 
wounded,  which  we  estimated  at  two  hundred  men. 
When  they  retreated,  we  fired  some  of  our  large  guns  in 
that  direction,  as  much  to  frighten  the  islanders,  as  to  let 
our  comrades  in  the  canoes  know  where  we  were. 

We  kept  a  sharp  look  out  till  dark,  but  saw  no  more  of 
them.  I  proposed  that  we  should  attempt  to  communicate 
with  the  men  in  the  canoes,  and  desire  them  to  permit 
some  of  them  to  drift  on  shore  after  taking  out  the  women, 
as  the  islanders  would  then  in  all  probability  go  away. 
But  as  the  men  very  justly  remarked,  nobody  in  the  first 
place  would  venture  on  such  a  dangerous  service,  and  in 
the  next,  if  the  islanders  obtained  some  of  their  canoes, 
they  would  attack  the  others  and  overpower  the  sailors 
that  were  in  them.  This  plan  was  therefore  justly  over- 
ruled. I  then  proposed  that  one  man  should  steal  down 
to  the  beach,  swim  off,  and  desire  the  fourteen  men  to 
take  all  the  women  into  one  canoe,  and  pull  round  to  the 
north  side  of  the  island  during  the  night,  leaving  the 
remainder  for  the  islanders  to  go  away  in.  This  was  con- 
sidered a  good  scheme,  but  no  one  would  volunteer,  and, 
as  I  had  proposed  it,  I  thought  that  I  was  in  honour  bound 
to  go,  as  otherwise  the  men  would,  in  future,  have  had 
no  opinion  of  me.  I  therefore  stated  my  intention,  and 
taking  my  musket  and  ammunition,  I  slipped  down  by  a 


2i6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

rope.  As  soon  as  I  was  on  my  legs,  I  perceived  something 
crawling  out  of  the  wood  towards  the  ship.  I  could  not 
exactly  decipher  what  it  was,  so  I  crept  under  the  counter 
of  the  vessel,  where  it  was  so  dark  that  I  could  not  be 
distinguished.  As  it  approached,  I  made  it  out  to  be  one 
of  the  islanders  with  a  faggot  of  wood  on  his  back ;  he 
placed  it  close  to  the  side  of  the  vessel,  and  then  crawled 
back  as  before.  I  now  perceived  that  there  were  hundreds 
of  these  faggots  about  the  ship,  which  the  islanders  had 
contrived  to  carry  there  during  the  night;  for  although 
the  moon  was  up,  yet  the  vessel  was  so  inclosed  with 
trees  that  the  light  did  not  penetrate.  I  immediately 
comprehended  that  it  was  their  intention  to  set  fire  to  the 
vessel,  and  I  was  thinking  of  communicating  the  informa- 
tion to  my  companions  on  board,  when  two  more  crawled 
from  the  woods,  and  deposited  their  bundles  so  close  to 
me,  that  we  were  nearly  in  contact.  I  therefore  was 
obliged  to  leave  those  who  were  on  board  to  make  the 
best  of  it,  and  imitating  the  islanders,  I  crawled  from  the 
vessel  into  the  brushwood,  trailing  the  gun  after  me.  It 
was  fortunate  that  I  took  this  precaution,  for  in  the  very 
part  of  the  wood  where  I  crept  to,  there  were  dozens  of 
them  making  up  faggots,  but  it  was  too  thick  with  under- 
wood, and  too  dark  to  distinguish  anything,  although  I 
heard  them  close  to  me  breaking  off  the  branches.  I  did 
the  same  as  I  went  on,  to  avoid  discovery,  until  I  had 
passed  by  them,  when  I  continued  my  route  to  where  the 
canoes  had  been  left.  I  arrived  in  safety  at  the  outskirts 
of  the  wood  close  to  the  beach,  and  perceived  the  canoes 
still  lying  at  the  rocks,  to  which  they  had  been  taken; 
but  the  moon  shone  bright,  and  I  hesitated  to  walk  out  in 
the  light,  until  I  ascertained  whether  there  were  any 
islanders  on  the  beach.  As  I  waited  a  short  time  in  the 
dark  shade  of  the  trees,  close  to  one  of  the  springs  of 
fresh  water,  I  heard  a  moan  close  to  me,  and  looking  in 
that  direction  I  perceived  a  body  on  the  ground.  I  went 
towards  it,  and  could  distinguish  very  plainly  that  it  was 
one  of  the  women  who  had   swam  on  shore.      She  was 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  217 

nearly  lifeless,  and  feeling,  as  every  man  must  have  done, 
compassion  at  her  unfortunate  condition,  I  knelt  down  by 
her  to  see  if  I  could  afford  her  any  assistance.  As  she  had 
very  little  clothes  round  her  body,  I  discovered,  by  passing 
my  hand  over  her,  that  she  was  wounded  with  a  musket- 
ball  above  the  knee,  and  was  exhausted  from  pain  and  loss 
of  blood.  I  tore  my  neckcloth  and  shirt  into  bandages, 
and  bound  up  her  leg ;  I  then  fetched  some  water  from 
the  spring  in  my  hat,  which  I  poured  into  her  mouth,  and 
threw  over  her  face.  She  appeared  to  recover,  and  I  felt 
happy  that  I  had  been  of  some  use,  and  not  being  able 
to  descry  any  of  the  islanders,  was  proceeding  to  the 
beach,  that  I  might  swim  off  to  the  canoes,  when  just  as  I 
walked  out  of  the  shade,  two  or  three  muskets  were  fired 
by  those  on  board=  These  were  followed  by  others,  and 
loud  yells  from  the  islanders,  who  had  swum  off  in 
hundreds,  and  were  attacking  our  people.  The  conflict 
was  very  short,  for  the  men,  not  being  able  to  load  their 
muskets  quickly  enough,  were  overpowered  by  the  islanders, 
who  climbed  into  the  canoes,  and  in  a  few  minutes  they 
were  all  paddled  to  the  beach. 

I  now  thought  that  it  was  all  over  with  my  men  on  board 
of  the  ship,  and  so  it  proved ;  for  an  hour  before  daylight 
the  islanders  lighted  the  faggots,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
attacked  the  vessel  with  great  fury.  The  fire  continued  to 
blaze  higher  and  higher,  the  muskets  were  constantly  dis- 
charging, and  the  shouts  and  yells  continued  for  about  an 
hour,  when  I  heard  no  more  reports  from  the  muskets,  and 
took  it  for  granted  that  my  men  were  overcome,  which  was 
the  case,  as  I  afterwards  found  out ;  many  were  killed  by 
the  spears  when  on  board,  others  when  they  leaped  from 
the  vessel  to  avoid  the  flames,  and  the  remainder  had  been 
suffocated. 

As  the  sun  rose  above  the  horizon,  a  loud  explosion  took 
place,  by  which  I  knew  that  the  flames  had  communicated 
with  the  magazine,  and  that  the  ship  had  been  blown  to 
atoms.  I  determined  to  hide  myself  in  the  bushes,  with 
the  hope  of  not  being  discovered.     Before  I  went,  I  made 


2i8  The  Pacha  of  Many  Taies 

a  h^sty  visit  to  the  poor  wounded  woman,  to  see  how  she 
was.  It  was  broad  daylight,  and  I  found  that  I  had  afforded 
succour  to  a  very  beautiful  young  girl,  about  sixteen  or 
seventeen  years  old.  As  she  still  appeared  faint,  I  brought 
her  some  more  water,  and  when  I  gave  it  to  her,  she 
expressed  her  gratitude  with  her  eyes.  Examining  the 
bandages,  which  had  slipped  a  little  on  one  side,  I  replaced 
them,  and  then  darted  into  the  thickest  of  the  underwood. 
As  I  pressed  on,  bent  half  double,  my  head  suddenly  came 
in  contact  with  something  hard ;  I  looked  up,  and  found 
that  it  was  the  head  of  one  of  the  islanders,  who  was  also 
forcing  his  way  through  the  bushes,  an  immense,  powerful 
man,  who  immediately  sprung  upon  me,  and  pinned  me  to 
the  ground.  He  was  followed  by  several  others  who  came 
to  his  assistance,  and  all  resistance  was  useless.  They 
pulled  some  of  the  creeping  withies,  that  grow  in  those 
countries,  and  bound  me  hand  and  foot  -,  then  selecting  a 
large  pole,  they  made  me  fast  to  it,  and  carried  me  away. 
When  they  arrived  at  the  beach,  I  was  laid  down  on  my 
back,  exposed  to  the  burning  sun.  Left  to  my  own  reflec- 
tions, and  calling  to  mind  all  that  I  could  recollect  from  the 
voyages  and  travels  which  I  had  read,  I  concluded  that  I 
was  to  be  made  a  sacrifice  of  to  their  gods.  I  prayed  to 
heaven  for  mercy,  and  resigned  myself  to  my  fate,  which 
appeared  inevitable. 

The  islanders  had  all  assembled  on  the  beach  close  to 
where  I  lay.  The  dead  bodies  of  their  companions,  who 
had  fallen  in  the  conflict,  and  the  wounded,  were  carried 
into  the  canoes.  They  formed  a  circle  round  the  fire, 
which  they  had  kindled,  made  several  speeches,  and  danced 
a  war-dance.  I  turned  round  on  my  side,  and  perceived  to 
my  horror,  that  they  had  collected  all  the  bodies  of  my 
companions,  and  were  devouring  them.  What  they  did 
not  feel  inclined  to  eat,  they  packed  up  in  baskets,  and  put 
into  the  canoes.  I  anticipated  that  such  would  be  my  own 
fate — not  at  present,  as  they  had  more  than  they  could  con- 
sume— but  that  I  should  be  reserved  for  a  festival,  after 
their  arrival  in  their  own  country.     Nor  was  I  incorrect  in 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  219 

my  supposition  ;  they  collected  together  all  the  bones, 
which  they  carried  with  them,  and  putting  me  on  board, 
hoisted  their  mat  sails,  and  steered  away  for  their  own 
islands. 

On  the  third  day  we  arrived,  when  I  was  carried  on  shore 
and  confined  in  what  I  believe  was  a  burying  ground.  They 
stuffed  me  every  day  with  pork  and  other  victuals  to  keep 
me  alive,  and  in  good  condition,  but  they  never  cast  me 
loose  from  the  pole  to  which  I  was  bound.  I  heard  pro- 
cessions, shouts,  and  lamentations  for  the  dead  ;  but  I  could 
see  nothing,  for  I  was  now  too  weak  to  turn  on  my  side. 
When  I  had  been  a  week  in  this  confined  state,  the  agony 
arising  from  the  swelling  of  my  limbs,  and  from  the 
increased  tightness  of  the  ligatures  was  so  great,  that  I 
called  for  death  to  relieve  me  from  my  sufferings ;  and 
when  I  once  more  found  myself  raised  upon  the  shoulders 
of  men,  I  was  as  impatient  for  my  approaching  fate,  as  I 
should  have  been,  under  other  circumstances,  for  my 
release.  My  senses  were  gradually  overpowered  by  the 
pain,  which  was  so  much  increased  by  the  renewed 
suspension  of  my  body. 

I  have  a  distinct  recollection  of  being  placed  on  the 
ground  in  a  large  circle — of  the  screams  of  a  woman,  and 
of  a  confused  uproar,  which  followed.  When  I  came  to 
my  senses,  I  found  myself  in  a  hut,  unbound,  and  lying 
upon  soft  mats,  with  fomentations  applied  to  my  limbs  ; 
and  when  my  eyes  opened,  I  beheld,  hanging  over  me  with 
an  air  of  the  tenderest  solicitude,  the  beautiful  savage, 
whom  I  had  found  wounded,  and  had  succoured  on  the 
night  of  the  affray.  I  subsequently  learnt,  that  when  I  had 
been  brought  into  the  circle,  she  had  recognised  me  as  the 
person  who  had  assisted  her;  that  she  claimed  my  life, 
pointing  to  her  wound,  and  producing  the  bandages  with 
which  I  had  bound  it  up,  and  which  were  identified  with 
the  remainder,  as  part  of  the  dress  which  I  still  wore.  A 
council  was  held,  and  as  it  appeared  that  I  could  not  have 
been  with  the  party  in  the  ship,  for  I  had  been  taken 
prisoner  in  the  woods,  near  to  where  the  girl  lay,  after 


220  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

many  speeches  pro  and  con,  it  was  decided  that  my  life 
should  be  spared,  and  that  I  should  be  married  to  the  girl 
who  had  been  the  means  of  preserving  it.  She  had  carried 
me  away  to  her  hut,  and  was  now  returning  the  debt  of 
gratitude  which  she  had  incurred. 

Owing  to  her  unwearied  kindness  and  attention,  I  soon 
recovered,  and  before  I  was  aware  that  I  was  to  be  her 
husband  I  courted  her  by  signs,  and  all  the  little  attentions 
that  could  be  suggested  by  gratitude  and  love.  As  soon 
as  I  was  supposed  to  be  sufficiently  recovered  I  was  led 
into  a  large  circle  of  the  islanders,  to  be  formally  admitted 
into  their  society.  A  venerable  old  man  made  a  speech, 
which  I  presume  was  not  a  very  good  one  from  its  extreme 
length,  and  then  several  men  laid  hold  of  me,  and  throwing 
me  on  the  ground,  face  downwards,  sat  astride  on  me,  and 
commenced  running  needles  into  the  upper  part  of  my 
thighs.  The  pain  was  excessive,  but  as  all  the  islanders 
were  tattooed  about  the  loins,  I  presumed  it  was  an  opera- 
tion that  I  must  submit  to,  and  I  bore  it  with  fortitude. 

"  And  pray  what  is  that  tattooing  ? " 

**  Tattooing,  may  it  please  your  highness,  is  puncturing 
the  skin  with  needles  or  sharp  points — and  then  rubbing 
Indian  ink  or  gun-powder  into  the  wounds.  This  leaves 
an  indehble  mark  of  a  deep  blue  tint.  All  the  islanders  in 
those  seas  practise  it,  and  very  often  the  figures  that  are 
drawn  are  very  beautiful." 

**  Mashallah  !  How  wonderful  is  God  !  I  should  like 
to  see  it,"  rejoined  the  pacha. 

"  Allah  forbid,"  replied  the  renegade,  "  that  I  should 
expose  my  person  to  your  highness.  I  know  my  duty 
better." 

**  Yes,  but  I  must  see  it,  yaha  bibi,  my  friend  ! "  con- 
tinued the  pacha,  impatiently;  "never  mind  your  person. 
Come — obey  my  orders." 

The  renegade  was  a  little  at  a  nonplus,  as  he  never 
had  undergone  the  operation  which  he  had  described. 
Fortunately  for  the  support  of  his  veracity,  it  happened 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  221 

that  during  one  of  his  piratical  excursions,  in  an  idle  fit, 
he  had  permitted  one  of  his  companions  to  .  tattoo  a  small 
mermaid  on  his  arm. 

"  Min  Allah !  God  forbid,"  rejoined  the  renegade ; 
**  my  life  is  at  the  disposal  of  your  highness,  and  I  had 
sooner  that  you  should  take  it,  than  I  would  affront  your 
august  eyes  with  the  exposure  in  question  ;  fortunately 
I  can  gratify  your  highness's  curiosity  without  offending 
decency- — as,  after  they  had  finished  the  operation  I  was 
describing,  they  made  the  figure  of  their  most  respected 
deity  upon  my  arm."  The  renegade  then  pulled  up  his 
sleeve,  and  showed  the  figure  of  a  mermaid,  with  a 
curling  tail,  a  looking-glass  in  one  hand  and  a  comb  in 
the  other.  "  Here  your  highness  will  perceive  a  specimen 
of  their  rude  art.  This  is  a  representation  of  their  goddess, 
Bo-gee.  In  one  hand  she  holds  an  iron  rake,  with  which 
she  tattoos  those  who  are  good,  and  the  mark  serves  as 
a  passport  when  they  apply  for  admittance  into  the  regions 
of  bliss.  In  the  other,  she  brandishes  a  hot  iron  plate, 
with  which  she  brands  those  who  are  sentenced  to  be 
punished  for  their  sins." 

"  Allah  Karim — God  is  merciful !  And  why  has  she 
a  fish's  tail  ? "  inquired  the  pacha 

"  The  people  I  am  describing,  inhabit  a  cluster  of 
islands,  and  it  is  to  enable  her  to  swim  from  one  to  the 
other,  as  her  presence  may  be  required." 

"  Very  true,"  observed  the  pacha — "  now  you  may  go 
on  with  your  story." 

As  I  mentioned  to  your  highness,  they  tattooed  me 
without  mercy ;  the  operation  lasted  an  hour,  when  they 
put  me  on  my  feet  again.  Another  speech  was  made, 
which  I  understood  as  little  of  as  the  former ;  they  left 
me  with  my  wife,  and  the  ceremony  was  at  an  end. 

I  must  say  I  wished  that  I  had  not  been  naturalised 
and  married  both  on  the  same  day.  I  was  so  swelled  and 
so  stiff  with  the  tattooing,  that  it  was  with  difficulty  I 
could,  with  the  assistance  of  my  wife,  walk  back  to  my 


222  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

hut.  However,  by  the  remedies  which  she  constantly 
applied,  in  the  course  of  three  days  I  felt  no  further 
inconvenience. 

I  now  considered  myself  settled  for  the  remainder  of 
my  life.  I  was  passionately  attached  to  Naka-poop,  for 
such  was  the  name  of  my  young  wife,  and  notwithstanding 
my  French  education,  could  not  but  acknowledge  that 
her  natural  and  unsophisticated  manners  were  more 
graceful  and  more  fascinating,  than  is  all  the  studied 
address  of  my  own  country-women.  She  was  of  high 
rank  in  her  own  country,  being  nearly  allied  to  the 
king ;  and  for  two  years  my  life  slipped  away,  in  un- 
interrupted happiness  and  peace.  But  alas ! — and  the 
renegade  covered  up  his  face. 

"  Come,  Huckaback,  you  surely  have  been  too  much 
accustomed  to  lose  your  wives  by  this  time,  to  make  a 
fuss  about  it.  These  Franks  are  strange  people,"  observed 
the  pacha  to  the  vizier  •,  "  they've  a  tear  for  every  woman." 

**  Your  highness  must  excuse  me ;  I  shall  not  offend 
again,  for  I  never  married  afterwards.  My  charming 
Naka-poop  died  in  child-bed,  and  the  island  became  so 
hateful  to  me,  that  I  determined  to  quit  it.  An  oppor- 
tunity occurred  by  an  American  vessel,  which  arrived 
wdth  some  Missionaries." 

*'  What  are  Missionaries .?"  inquired  the  pacha. 

"People  who  came  to  inform  the  islanders,  that  Bo-gee 
was  not  a  goddess,  and  to  persuade  them  to  embrace  the 
true  faith." 

"  Very  right,"  replied  the  pacha,  "  there  is  but  one 
God,  and  Mahomet  is  his  prophet.     Well ^" 

As  I  understood  both  languages,  I  was  employed  as  an 
interpreter,  but  it  was  impossible  to  explain  what  the 
Missionaries  intended  to  convey,  as  the  language  of  the 
islanders  had  not  words  that  were  analogous.  A  council 
was  held,  and  the  answer  which  the  Missionaries  received 
was  as  follows  : — 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  223 

"  You  tell  us  that  your  God  rewards  the  good  and 
punishes  the  wicked — so  does  Bo-gee.  We  speak  one 
language,  you  speak  another.  Perhaps  the  name  of 
your  God  means  Bo-gee  in  ours.  Then  we  both 
worship  the  same  God,  under  different  names.  No  use 
to  talk  any  more;  take  plenty  of  pigs  and  yams,  and 
go  home." 

The  Missionaries  took  their  advice,  their  pigs  and  their 
yams,  and  I  went  home  with  them.  We  arrived  at  New 
York,  where  I  claimed  and  received  from  the  Bible 
Society  my  pay  as  interpreter  to  the  Missionaries  from 
the  time  that  they  landed  up  to  the  day  of  our  return. 
I  never  should  have  thought  of  claiming  it,  had  it  not 
been  for  the  advice  of  one  of  the  Missionaries,  who  took 
a  fancy  to  me. 

With  the  money  that  I  received  I  paid  my  passage  in 
a  vessel  bound  to  Genoa,  where  I  arrived  in  safety,  but 
without  the  means  of  subsistence.  But  what  doth  the 
poet  say,  "Necessity  is  a  strong  rider  with  sharp  stirrups, 
who  maketh  the  sorry  jade  do  that  which  the  strong 
horse  sometimes  will  not  do."  Having  no  other  resource, 
I  determined  once  more  to  try  my  fortune  upon  the 
ocean. 

**  Allah  wakbar — God  is  everywhere !  It  was  your 
talleh — your  destiny.  Huckaback." 

"  It  was  his  kismet — his  fate,  your  sublime  highness," 
rejoined  Mustapha,  "  that  he  should  go  through  those 
perils  to  amuse  your  leisure  hours." 

"  Wallah  Thaib — well  said,  by  Allah !  Let  the  slave 
rejoice  in  our  bounty.  Give  him  ten  pieces  of  gold ; 
we  will  open  our  ears  to  his  next  voyage  to-morrow. 
Murakhas,  you  are  dismissed." 

"  May  your  sublime  shadow  never  be  less,"  rephed 
Huckaback,  as  he  salaamed  out  of  the  pacha's  presence. 


2  24  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

Chapter   XIII 

THE  LAST  VOYAGE  OF  HUCKABACK. 

Your  highness  will  be  surprised  at  the  unheard-of 
adventures  that  occurred  to  me  in  my  last  voyage, 
and  I  think  I  can  boldly  assert  that  no  man,  either 
before  or  since,  has  explored  so  much,  or  has  been  in 
the  peculiarly  dangerous  situations  in  vi^hich  I  have  been 
placed  by  destiny. 

Notwithstanding  the  danger  which  I  incurred  from 
my  former  expedition  to  the  Northern  Ocean,  I  was 
persuaded  to  take  the  command  of  a  whaler  about  to 
proceed  to  those  latitudes  :  we  sailed  from  Marseilles 
early  in  the  year  that  we  might  arrive  at  the  northward 
in  good  time,  and  be  able  to  quit  the  Frozen  Ocean  before 
the  winter  had  set  in.  We  were  very  fortunate  on  our 
arrival  at  Baffin's  Bay,  and  very  soon  had  eighteen  fish  on 
board.  The  autumn  was  hardly  commenced  before  I  pro- 
posed to  return,  and  we  were  steering  in  a  southerly 
direction,  when  we  encountered  two  or  three  large 
icebergs,  upon  the  edges  of  which  the  walruses  or  sea- 
horses were  lying  in  herds.  As  we  had  some  casks  still 
empty,  I  determined  to  fill  them  with  the  oil  to  be  obtained 
from  these  animals,  and  hoisted  out  my  boats  to  attack 
them.  We  killed  a  large  number,  which  we  sent  on 
board,  and  continued  our  fishery  with  great  success, 
having  only  lost  one  boat,  the  bottom  plank  of  which 
had  been  bitten  out  by  the  tusks  of  one  of  these  un- 
wieldy animals.  Of  a  sudden  the  wind  changed  to  the 
southward,  and  the  small  icebergs  which  were  then  to 
windward  rapidly  closed  with  the  large  one  upon  which 
we  were  fishing.  The  harpooners  observed  it,  and 
recommended  me  to  return  to  the  ship,  but  I  was  so 
amused  with  the  sport  that  I  did  not  heed  their  advice. 
A  sea-horse  was  lying  in  a  small  cave  accidentally  formed 
on  the  upright  edge  of  the  iceberg,  and  wishing  to  attack 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  225 

him,  I  directed  my  boat  to  pull  towards  it.  At  this  time 
there  was  not  more  than  twenty  yards  of  water  between 
the  two  icebergs,  and  a  sudden  squall  coming  on,  they 
closed  with  great  rapidity.  The  men  in  the  other  boats 
immediately  pulled  away,  and,  as  I  afterwards  learnt,  when 
I  arrived  at  Marseilles,  they  escaped,  and  returned  home 
in  the  ship ;  but  those  in  mine,  who  were  intent  upon 
watching  me,  as  I  stood  in  the  bow  of  the  boat  with  the 
harpoon  to  strike  the  animal,  did  not  perceive  the  danger 
until  the  stern  of  the  boat  was  touched  by  the  other 
iceberg.  The  two  now  coming  within  the  attraction  of 
cohesion  of  floating  bodies,  were  dashed  like  lightning  one 
against  the  other,  jamming  the  men,  as  well  as  the  boat, 
into  atoms. 

Being  in  the  bow  of  the  boat,  and  hearing  the  crash,  I 
had  just  time,  in  a  moment  of  desperation,  to  throw  myself 
into  the  cave  upon  the  back  of  the  sea-horse,  when  the  two 
enormous  bodies  of  ice  came  in  contact — the  noise  I  have 
no  doubt  was  tremendous,  but  I  did  not  hear  it,  as  I  was 
immediately  enclosed  in  the  ice.  Although  at  first  there 
were  interstices,  yet,  as  the  southerly  gale  blew  the  ice- 
bergs before  it  into  the  northern  region,  all  was  quickly 
cemented  together  by  the  frost,  and  I  found  myself  pent 
up  in  an  apartment  not  eight  feet  square,  in  company  with 
a  sea-horse. 

I  shall  not  detain  your  highness  by  describing  my  sensa- 
tions :  my  ideas  were,  that  I  was  to  exist  a  certain  time, 
and  then  die  for  want  of  fresh  air ;  but  they  were 
incorrect.  At  first,  indeed,  the  cave  was  intolerably  hot 
from  the  accumulation  of  breath,  and  I  thought  I  should 
soon  be  suffocated.  I  recollected  all  my  past  sins,  I  im- 
plored for  mercy,  and  lay  down  to  die  ;  but  I  found  that 
the  ice  melted  away  with  the  heat,  and  that,  in  so  dor^g, 
a  considerable  portion  of  the  air  was  liberated,  so  that  in  a 
few  minutes  my  respiration  became  more  free.  The  animal 
in  the  meantime,  apparently  frightened  at  his  unusual 
situation,  was  perfectly  quiet ;  and,  as  the  slightest  straw 
will  be  caught  at  by  the  drowning  man,  so  did  the  idea 


226  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

of  my  preservation  come  into  my  head.  I  considered  how 
much  air  so  enormous  an  animal  must  consume,  and  deter- 
mined upon  despatching  him,  that  I  might  have  more  for 
my  own  immediate  wants.  I  took  out  my  knife,  and 
inserting  it  between  the  vertebral  bones  that  joined  his 
head  to  his  neck,  divided  the  spinal  marrow,  and  he 
immediately  expired. 

When  I  found  that  he  was  quite  dead,  I  crawled  from 
his  shoulders,  and  took  up  a  more  convenient  berth  in  that 
part  of  the  cave  which  was  before  his  head,  to  which  I  had 
been  afraid  to  venture  while  the  animal  was  alive,  lest  he 
should  attack  me  with  his  enormous  tusks.  The  air  soon 
became  more  pure,  and  I  breathed  freely.  Your  highness 
may  be  surprised  at  the  assertion  •,  but,  whether  I  obtained 
air  from  the  ice  itself,  or  whether  the  ice  was  sufficiently 
porous  to  admit  of  it,  I  know  not ;  but  from  that  time  I 
had  no  difficulty  of  respiration.  In  our  country  we  have 
had  instances  of  women  and  children,  who  have  been 
buried  in  the  snow  for  two  months,  and  yet  have  been 
taken  out  alive,  and  have  recovered,  although  they  had 
little  or  no  nourishment  during  their  inhumation.  I  recol- 
lected this,  and  aware  that  the  carcase  of  the  animal  would 
supply  me  for  years,  I  began  to  indulge  a  hope  that  I  might 
yet  be  saved,  if  driven  sufficiently  to  the  southward  to 
admit  of  my  being  thawed  out.  I  was  convinced  that  the 
ice  about  me  could  not  be  more  than  six  or  eight  feet 
thick,  as  I  had  sufficient  Hght  to  distinguish  the  day  from 
the  night.  Afterwards  my  eye-sight  became  so  much  more 
acute,  that  I  could  see  very  well  to  every  corner  of  the 
cave  in  which  I  was  embedded. 

During  the  first  month  the  calls  of  hunger  obliged  me 
to  make  frequent  attacks  upon  the  carcase  of  the  sea-horse  ; 
after  that,  my  appetite  decreased,  until  at  length  I  would 
not  touch  a  mouthful  of  food  in  a  week, — I  presume  from 
the  want  of  fresh  air  and  exercise,  neither  of  which  I  could 
be  said  to  enjoy.  I  had  been  about  two  months  in  this 
hole,  when  a  violent  shock  like  that  of  an  earthquake  took, 
place,  and  I  fell  from  the  top  of  the  cave  to  the  bottom^ 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  227 

and  for  a  minute  was  knocked  about  like  a  pea  in  a  rattle. 
I  had  almost  lost  my  senses  before  it  was  over,  and  I  found 
myself  lying  upon  what  was  before  the  top  of  the  cave. 
From  these  circumstances  I  inferred  that  the  iceberg  in 
which  I  was  inclosed  had  come  in  contact  with  another, 
and  that  I  had  been  broken  off  from  it,  and  was  floating  on 
the  sea  with  other  pieces,  which,  when  collected  in  large 
quantities,  are  termed  a  floe  of  ice.  Whether  my  situation 
was  changed  for  the  better  I  knew  not,  but  the  change 
inspired  me  with  fresh  hopes.  I  now  calculated  that  five 
months  had  elapsed,  and  that  it  was  the  depth  of  winter, 
therefore  I  had  no  chance  of  being  released  until  the 
ensuing  spring. 

**  Allah  Wakbar,  God  is  every  where  !  "  interrupted  the 
pacha.  "  But  I  wish  to  know,  Huckaback,  how  you  were 
so  exactly  aware  of  the  time  which  had  passed  away." 

"  Min  Bashi,  and  head  of  thousands ! "  replied  Hucka- 
back, "  I  will  explain  to  your  highness.  I  once  jammed 
my  nail  at  the  bottom,  and  I  expected  to  lose  it.  It  did 
not  however  come  oiF,  but  grew  up  as  before,  and  I  had 
the  curiosity  to  know  how  often  people  changed  their 
nails  in  the  course  of  a  year.  It  was  exactly  two  months, 
and  from  this  I  grounded  my  calculations.  I  observed 
specks  on  my  nails,  and  as  they  grew  up,  so  did  I  calculate 
time." 

"Mashallah,  how  wonderful  is  God!  Wallah  Thaib  I 
Well  said,  by  Allah  !  I  never  should  have  thought  of 
that,"  observed  the  pacha.     "  Proceed  with  your  story." 

The  five  months  had  elapsed,  according  to  my  calcula- 
tions, when  one  morning  I  heard  a  grating  noise  close  to 
me ;  soon  afterwards  I  perceived  the  teeth  of  a  saw 
entering  my  domicile,  and  I  correctly  judged  that  some 
ship  was  cutting  her  way  through  the  ice.  Although  I 
could  not  make  myself  heard,  I  waited  in  anxious  expecta- 
tion of  deliverance.  The  saw  approached  very  near  to 
where  I  was  sitting,  and  I  was  afraid  that  I  should  be 


228  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

wounded,  if  not  cut  in  halves ;  but  just  as  it  was  within 
two  inches  of  my  nose,  it  was  withdrawn.  The  fact  was, 
that  I  was  under  the  main  floe,  which  had  been  frozen 
together,  and  the  firm  ice  above  having  been  removed 
and  pushed  av/ay,  I  rose  to  the  surface.  A  current  of 
fresh  air  immediately  poured  into  the  small  incision  made 
by  the  saw,  which  not  only  took  away  my  breath  from  its 
sharpness,  but  brought  on  a  spitting  of  blood.  Hearing 
the  sound  of  voices,  I  considered  my  deliverance  as  certain. 
Although  I  understood  very  little  English,  I  heard  the 
name  of  Captain  Parry  frequently  mentioned — a  name,  I 
presume,  that  your  highness  is  well  acquainted  with. 

"  Pooh  !  never  heard  of  it,"  replied  the  pacha. 

"  I  am  surprised,  your  highness ;  I  thought  every  body 
must  have  heard  of  that  adventurous  navigator.  I  may 
here  observe  that  I  have  since  read  his  voyages,  and  he 
mentions,  as  a  curious  fact,  the  steam  which  was  emitted 
from  the  ice — which  was  nothing  more  than  the  hot  air 
escaping  from  my  cave  when  it  was  cut  through  —  a 
singular  point,  as  it  not  only  proves  the  correctness  of  his 
remarks,  but  the  circumstance  of  my  having  been  there, 
as  I  am  now  describing  it  to  your  highness." 

But,  alas  !  my  hopes  soon  vanished :  the  voices  became 
more  faint,  I  felt  that  I  was  plunged  under  the  floe  to 
make  room  for  the  passage  of  the  ship,  and  when  I  rose, 
the  water  which  had  filled  the  incision  made  by  the  saw, 
froze  hard,  and  I  was  again  closed  in — perhaps  for  ever. 
I  now  became  quite  frantic  with  despair,  I  tore  my  clothes, 
and  dashed  my  head  against  the  corners  of  the  cave,  and 
tried  to  put  an  end  to  my  hated  existence.  At  last,  I 
sank  down  exhausted  with  my  own  violent  efforts,  and 
continued  sullen  for  several  days. 

But  there  is  a  buoyant  spirit  in  our  composition  which 
raises  our  heads  above  the  waters  of  despair.  Hope  never 
deserts  us,  not  even  in  an  iceberg.  She  attends  us  and 
supports  us  to  the  last  j  and  although  we  reject  her  kind 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  229 

offices  in  our  fury,  she  still  watches  by  us,  ready  to  assist 
and  console  us,  when  we  are  inclined  to  hearken  to  her 
encouraging  whispers. 

I  once  more  listened  to  her  suggestions,  and  for  six 
months  fed  upon  them,  aided  by  occasional  variations  of 
the  flesh  of  the  sea-horse.  It  was  now  late  in  the  summer, 
and  the  ice  in  which  I  was  bound  up  had  evidently  melted 
away.  One  morning  I  was  astonished  by  perceiving  that 
the  light  of  the  sun  seemed  to  change  its  position  regularly 
every  quarter  of  an  hour.  Had  it  done  so  occasionally 
during  the  day,  and  at  no  stated  intervals,  I  should  have 
imagined  that  the  ice  that  I  was  inclosed  in,  altered  its 
position  from  the  winds  and  currents ;  but  the  regularity 
astonished  me.  I  watched  it,  and  I  found  that  the  same 
phenomenon  occurred,  but  at  shorter  intervals,  and  it  con- 
tinued until  the  Hght  shifted  from  side  to  side  every 
minute. 

After  some  reflection,  the  horrid  idea  occurred  to  me 
that  I  must  have  been  drifted  to  the  coast  of  Norway,  and 
was  in  the  influence  of  the  dreadful  whirlpool,  called  the 
Maelstroom,  and  that,  in  a  few  minutes,  I  should  be 
engulfed  for  ever,  and,  whilst  I  was  thinking  that  such 
might  be  the  case,  the  light  revolved  each  fifteen  seconds. 
"  Then  it  is  !  "  cried  I  in  despair,  and,  as  I  uttered  the 
words,  it  became  quite  dark,  and  I  knew  that  I  had  sunk 
in  the  vortex,  and  all  was  over. 

It  may  appear  strange  to  your  highness,  that  after  the 
first  pang,  occasioned  by  the  prospect  of  perdition,  had 
passed  away,  that  so  far  from  feeling  a  horror  at  my 
situation,  I  mocked  and  derided  it.  I  could  feel  no  more, 
and  I  waited  the  result  with  perfect  indifference.  From 
the  marks  in  my  nails,  I  afterwards  found  out  that  I  was 
nearly  six  months  in  the  interior  of  the  earth.  At  last,, 
one  day  I  was  nearly  blinded  by  the  powerful  light  that 
poured  through  my  tenement,  and  I  knew  that  I  was  once 
more  floating  on  the  water. 

**  Allah  Kebir  !     God  is  most  powerful !  "  exclaimed  the 


230  '  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

pacha.     "Holy  prophet,  where  was  it  that  you  came  up 
again  ? " 

"  In  the  harbour  of  Port  Royal  in  Jamaica.  Your 
highness  will  hardly  credit  it,  but  on  my  honour  it  is 
true." 

The  heat  of  the  sun  was  so  great,  that  in  a  very  short 
time  the  ice  that  surrounded  me  was  thawed,  and  I  found 
myself  at  liberty ;  but  I  still  floated  upon  the  body  of  the 
sea-horse,  and  the  ice  which  was  under  the  water.  The 
latter  soon  vanished,  and  striding  the  back  of  the  dead 
animal,  although  nearly  blind  by  the  rays  of  the  sun,  and 
suffocated  with  the  sudden  change  of  climate,  I  waited 
patiently  to  gain  the  shore,  which  was  not  one  mile  distant ; 
hut,  before  I  could  arrive  there,  for  the  sea  breeze  had  not 
yet  set  in,  an  enormous  shark,  well  known  among  the 
English  by  the  name  of  Port  Royal  Tom,  who  had  daily 
rations  from  government,  that  by  remaining  in  the  harbour 
he  might  prevent  the  sailors  from  swimming  on  shore  to 
desert,  ranged  up  alongside  of  me.  I  thought  it  hard  that 
I  should  have  to  undergo  such  new  dangers,  after  having 
been  down  the  Maelstroom,  but  there  was  no  help  for  it. 
He  opened  his  enormous  jaws,  and  had  I  not  immediately 
shifted  my  leg,  would  have  taken  it  off.  As  it  was,  he 
took  such  a  piece  out  of  my  horse,  as  to  render  it  what  the 
sailors  call  lopsided.  Again  he  attacked  it,  and  continued 
to  take  piece  after  piece  off  my  steed,  until  I  was  afraid 
that  he  would  come  to  the  rider  at  last,  when  fortunately 
a  boat  full  of  black  people,  who  were  catching  flying  flsh, 
perceived  me  and  pulled  to  my  assistance.  They  took  me 
on  shore  and  carried  me  to  the  governor,  to  whom  I  gave 
a  history  of  my  adventures ;  but  Englishmen  suppose  that 
nobody  can  meet  with  wondrous  adventures  except  them- 
selvesc  He  called  me  a  liar,  and  put  me  in  the  Clink,  and 
a  pirate  schooner  having  been  lately  taken  and  the  crew 
executed,  I  was  declared  to  have  been  one  of  them ;  but, 
as  it  was  clearly  proved  that  the  vessel  only  contained 
thirty  men,  and  they  had  already  hung  forty-seven,  I  was 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  231 

permitted  to  quit  the  island,  which  I  did  in  a  small  vessel 
hound  to  America,  on  condition  that  I  would  work  my 
passage. 

We  had  gained  to  the  northward  of  the  Bahama  Isles, 
and  were  standing  to  the  westward  before  a  light  breeze, 
when  early  one  morning  several  waterspouts  were  observed 
to  be  forming  in  various  directions.  It  was  my  watch 
below,  but  as  I  had  never  seen  one  of  these  curious 
phenomena  of  nature,  I  went  on  deck  to  indulge  my 
curiosity. 

*'Pray  what  is  a  waterspout?"  inquired  the  pacha;  "I 
never  heard  of  one  before." 

"  A  waterspout,  your  highness,  is  the  ascent  of  a  large 
body  of  water  into  the  clouds — one  of  those  gigantic 
operations  by  which  nature,  apparently  without  effort, 
accomplishes  her  will,  pointing  out  to  man  the  insignifi- 
cance of  his  most  vaunted  undertakings." 

"  Humph !  that's  a  waterspout,  is  it  ? "  replied  the 
pacha ;  "  I'm  about  as  wise  as  before." 

"  I  will  describe  it  more  clearly  to  your  highness,  for 
there  is  no  one  who  has  a  better  right  to  know  what  a 
waterspout  is,  than  myself." 

A  black  cloud  was  over  our  heads,  and  we  perceived 
that  for  some  time  it  was  rapidly  descending.  The  main 
body  then  remained  stationary,  and  a  certain  portion  of  it 
continued  bellying  down  until  it  had  assumed  the  form  of 
an  enormous  jelly-bag.  From  the  end  of  this  bag  a  thin, 
wiry,  black  tongue  of  vapour  continued  to  descend  until 
it  had  arrived  half  way  between  the  cloud  and  the  sea. 
The  water  beneath,  then  rufBed  on  its  surface,  increasing 
its  agitation  more  and  more  until  it  boiled  and  bubbled 
like  a  large  cauldron,  throwing  its  foam  aside  in  every 
direction.  In  a  few  minutes  a  small  spiral  thread  of  water 
was  perceived  to  rise  into  the  air,  and  meet  the  tongue 
which  had  wooed  it  from  the  cloud.  When  the  union  had 
taken   place,  the  thread   increased  each   moment  in  size. 


2^2  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

until  it  was  swelled  into  a  column  of  water  several  feet  in 
diameter,  which  continued  to  supply  the  thirsty  cloud 
until  it  was  satiated  and  could  drink  no  more.  It  then 
broke,  the  sea  became  smooth  as  before,  and  the  messenger 
of  heaven  flew  away  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind,  to  dis- 
pense its  burthen  over  the  parched  earth  in  refreshing  and 
fertilising  showers. 

"While  I  was  standing  at  the  taffrail  in  admiration  of  this 
wonderful  resource  of  nature,  the  main  boom  jibbed  and 
struck  me  with  such  force,  that  I  was  thrown  into  the  sea. 
Another  waterspout  forming  close  to  the  vessel,  the  captain 
and  crew  were  alarmed  and  made  all  sail  to  escape,  without 
regarding  me;  for  they  were  aware  that  if  it  should  happen 
to  break  over  them,  they  would  be  sent  to  the  bottom 
with  its  enormous  weight.  I  had  scarcely  risen  to  the 
surface,  when  I  perceived  that  the  water  was  in  agitation 
round  me,  and  all  my  efforts  to  swim  from  the  spot  were 
unavailing,  for  I  was  within  the  circle  of  attraction.  Thus 
was  I  left  to  my  fate,  and  convinced  that  I  could  not  swim 
for  many  minutes,  I  swallowed  the  salt  water  as  fast  as  I 
could,  that  my  struggles  might  the  sooner  be  over. 

But  as  the  sea  boiled  up,  I  found  myself  gradually 
drawn  more  to  the  centre,  and  when  exactly  in  it,  I  was 
raised  in  a  sitting  posture  upon  the  spiral  thread  of  water, 
which,  as  I  explained  to  your  highness,  forced  itself  up- 
wards to  join  the  tongue  protruded  by  the  cloud.  There 
I  sat,  each  second  rising  higher  and  higher,  balanced  like 
the  gilt  ball  of  pith,  which  is  borne  up  by  the  vertical 
stream  of  the  fountain  which  plays  in  the  inner  court  of 
your  highness's  palace.  I  cast  my  eyes  down,  and  per- 
ceived the  vessel  not  far  off,  the  captain  and  crew  holding 
up  their  eyes  in  amazement  at  the  extraordinary  spectacle. 

**  I  don't  wonder  at  that,"  observed  the  pacha. 

I  soon  reached  the  tongue  of  the  cloud,  which  appeared 
as  if  impatient  to  receive  me — the  hair  of  my  head  first 
coming  within  its  attractive  powers  was  raised  straight  on. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  235 

end — then  seized  as  it  were  and  twisted  it  round.  I  was 
dragged  up  by  it  each  moment  with  increased  velocity,  as 
I  whirled  round  in  my  ascent.  At  last  I  found  myself 
safely  landed,  and  sat  down  to  recover  my  breath  which  I 
had  nearly  lost  for  ever. 

"  And,  pray,  where  did  you  sit,  Huckaback  ?" 

"  On  the  cloud,  your  highness." 

"  Holy  prophet !     What,  a  cloud  bear  your  weight  ?  " 

"  If  your  highness  will  call  to  mind  that  at  the  same 
time  the  cloud  took  up  several  tons  of  water,  you  cannot 
be  surprised  at  its  supporting  me." 

"  Very  true,"  replied  the  pacha.  "  This  is  a  very 
wonderful  story,  but  before  you  go  on,  I  wish  to  know 
what  the  cloud  was  made  of." 

"  That  is  rather  difficult  to  explain  to  your  highness. 
I  can  only  compare  it  to  a  wet  blanket.  I  found  it  ex- 
cessively cold  and  damp,  and  caught  a  rheumatism  while  I 
was  there,  which  I  feel  to  this  day." 

When  the  cloud  was  saturated,  the  column  divided,  and 
we  rapidly  ascended  until  the  cold  became  intense.  We 
passed  a  rainbow  as  we  skimmed  along,  and  I  was  very 
much  surprised  to  find  that  the  key  of  my  chest  and  my 
clasp  knife,  forced  themselves  through  the  cloth  of  my 
jacket,  and  flew  with  great  velocity  towards  it,  fixing 
themselves  firmly  to  the  violet  rays,  from  which  I  dis- 
covered that  those  peculiar  rays  were  magnetic.  I  men- 
tioned this  curious  circumstance  to  an  English  lady  whom 
I  met  on  her  travels,  and  I  have  since  learnt  that  she  has 
communicated  the  fact  to  the  learned  societies  as  a  dis- 
covery of  her  own  However,  as  she  is  a  very  pretty 
woman,  I  forgive  her.  Anxious  to  look  down  upon  the 
earth,  I  poked  a  hole  with  my  finger  through  the  bottom 
of  the  cloud,  and  was  astonished  to  perceive  how  rapidly 
it  was  spinning  round.  We  had  risen  so  high  as  to  be  out 
of  the  sphere  of  its  attraction,  and  in  consequence  remained 
stationary.     I  had  been  up  about  six  hours,  and  although 


234  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

I  was  close  to  the  coast  of  America  when  I  ascended,  I 
could  perceive  that  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  was  just  heav- 
ing in  sight.  I  was  enabled  to  form  a  very  good  idea  of  the 
structure  of  the  globe,  for  at  that  immense  height  I  could 
see  to  the  very  bottom  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  Depend 
upon  it,  your  highness,  if  you  wish  to  discover  more  than 
other  people  can,  it  is  necessary  to  be  **  up  in  the  clouds." 

"  Very  true,"  replied  the  pacha,  "  but  go  on." 
I  was  very  much  interested  in  the  chemical  process 
of  turning  the  salt  water  into  fresh,  which  was  going 
on  with  great  rapidity  while  I  was  there.  Perhaps  your 
highness  would  like  me  to  explain  it,  as  it  will  not 
occupy  your  attention  more  than  an  hour, 

"  No,  no,  skip  that,  Huckaback,  and  go  on." 

But  as  soon  as  I  had  gratified  my  curiosity,  I  began  to 
be  alarmed  at  my  situation,  not  so  much  on  account  of 
the  means  of  supporting  existence,  for  there  was  more 
than  sufficient. 

**More  that  sufficient!  Why,  what  could  you  have 
to  eat  ? " 

Plenty  of  fresh  fish,  your  highness,  which  had  been 
taken  up  in  the  column  of  water  at  the  same  time  I  was, 
and  the  fresh  water  already  lay  in  little  pools  around  me. 
But  the  cold  was  dreadful,  and  I  felt  that  I  could  not 
support  it  many  hours  longer,  and  how  to  get  down 
again  was  a  problem  which  I  could  not  solve. 

It  was  however  soon  solved  for  me,  for  the  cloud  hav- 
ing completed  its  chemical  labours,  descended  as  rapidly 
as  it  had  risen,  and  joined  many  others,  that  were  engaged 
in  sharp  conflict.  As  I  beheld  them  darting  against  each 
other,  and  discharging  the  electric  fluid  in  the  violence 
of  their  collision,  I  was  filled  with  trepidation  and  dismay, 
lest,  meeting  an  adversary,  I  should  be  hurled  into  the 
abyss  below,  or  be  withered  by  the  artillery  of  heaven. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  235 

But  I  was  fortunate  enough  to  escape.  The  cloud  which 
bore  me  descended  to  within  a  hundred  yards  of  the  earth, 
and  then  was  hurried  along  by  the  wind  with  such 
velocity  and  noise,  that  I  perceived  we  were  assisting  at 
a  hurricane. 

As  we  neared  the  earth,  the  cloud,  unable  to  resist 
the  force  of  its  attraction,  was  compelled  to  deliver  up 
its  burthen,  and  down  I  fell,  with  such  torrents  of  water, 
that  it  reminded  me  of  the  deluge.  The  tornado  was 
now  in  all  its  strength.  The  wind  roared  and  shrieked 
in  its  wild  fury,  and  such  was  its  force  that  I  fell  in  an 
acute  angle. 

**  What  did  you  fall  in  ?  "  interrupted  the  pacha.  "  I 
don't  know  what  that  is." 

**  I  fell  in  a  slanting  direction,  your  highness,  describing 
the  hypotenuse  between  the  base  and  perpendicular, 
created  by  the  force  of  the  wind,  and  the  attraction  of 
gravitation." 

"Holy  prophet!  who  can  understand  such  stuff? 
Speak  plain,  do  you  laugh  at  our  beards  ?  " 

"  Min  Allah  !  God  forbid  !  Your  servant  would  indeed 
«at  dirt,"  replied  Huckaback. 

I  meant  to  imply,  that  so  powerful  was  the  wind,  it 
almost  bore  me  up,  and  when  I  first  struck  the  water, 
which  I  did  upon  the  summit  of  a  wave,  I  bounded  off 
again  and  ricochetted  several  times  from  one  wave  to 
another,  like  the  shot  fired  from  a  gun  along  the  surface 
of  the  sea,  or  the  oyster-shell  skimmed  over  the  lake 
by  the  truant  child.  The  last  bound  that  I  gave,  pitched 
me  into  the  rigging  of  a  small  vessel  on  her  beam  ends, 
and  I  hardly  had  time  to  fetch  my  breath  before  she 
turned  over.  I  scrambled  up  her  bends,  and  fixed  myself 
astride  upon  her  keel. 

There  I  remained  for  two  or  three  hours,  when  the 
hurricane  was  exhausted  from  its  own  violence.  The 
clouds  disappeared,  the  sun  burst  out  in  all  its  splendour. 


236  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

the  sea  recovered  its  former  tranquillity,  and  Nature 
seemed  as  if  she  was  maliciously  smiling  at  her  own 
mischief.  The  land  was  close  to  me,  and  the  vessel 
drifted  on  shore.  I  found  that  I  was  at  the  Isle  of 
France,  having,  in  the  course  of  twelve  hours  thus  mira- 
culously shifted  my  position  from  one  side  of  the  globe 
unto  the  other.  I  found  the  island  in  a  sad  state  of 
devastation ;  the  labour  of  years  had  been  destroyed  in 
the  fury  of  an  hour — the  crops  were  swept  av/ay — the 
houses  were  levelled  to  the  ground — the  vessels  in  frag- 
ments on  the  beach — all  was  misery  and  desolation.  I 
was  however  kindly  received  by  my  countrymen,  who 
were  the  inhabitants  of  the  isle,  and,  in  four-and-twenty 
hours,  we  all  danced  and  sang  as  before.  I  invented  a 
very  pretty  quadrille,  called  the  Hurricane,  which  threw 
the  whole  island  into  an  ecstacy,  and  recompensed  them 
for  all  their  sufferings.  But  I  was  anxious  to  return 
home,  and  a  Dutch  vessel  proceeding  straight  to  Mar- 
seilles, I  thought  myself  fortunate  to  obtain  a  passage 
upon  the  same  terms  as  those  which  had  enabled  me  to 
quit  the  West  Indies.  We  sailed,  but  before  we  had 
been  twenty-four  hours  at  sea,  I  found  that  the  captain 
was  a  violent  man,  and  a  most  dreadful  tyrant.  I  was 
not  very  strong,  and  not  being  able  to  perform  the  duty 
before  the  mast,  to  which  I  had  not  been  accustomed,  I 
was  beat  so  unmercifully,  that  I  was  debating  in  my  mind, 
whether  I  should  kill  the  captain  and  then  jump  over- 
board, or  submit  to  my  hard  fate ;  but  one  night  as  I 
lay  groaning  on  the  forecastle  after  a  punishment  I  had 
received  from  the  captain,  which  incapacitated  me  from 
further  duty,  an  astonishing  circumstance  occurred  which 
was  the  occasion,  not  only  of  my  embracing  the  Mahomedan 
religion,  but  of  making  use  of  those  expressions  which 
attracted  your  highness's  attention  when  you  passed  in 
disguise.  "Why  am  I  thus  ever  to  be  persecuted?" 
exclaimed  I  in  despair.  And,  as  I  uttered  these  words, 
a  venerable  personage,  in  a  flowing  beard,  and  a  book  in 
his  hand,  appeared  before  me,  and  answered  me. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  237 

*'  Because,  Huckaback,  you  have  not  embraced  the  true 
faith." 

"  What  is  the  true  faith  ? "  inquired  I,  in  fear  and 
amazement. 

"  There  is  but  one  God,"  repHed  he,  "  and  I  am  his 
prophet." 

"  Merciful  Allah ! "  exclaimed  the  pacha,  "  why,  it 
must  have  been  Mahomed  himself." 

*'It  was  so,  your  highness,  although  I  knew  it  not  at 
the  time." 

"  Prove  unto  me  that  it  is  the  true  faith,"  said  I. 

"  I  will,"  replied  he  ;  "I  will  turn  the  heart  of  the 
infidel  captain,"  and  he  disappeared.  The  next  day  the 
captain  of  the  vessel,  to  my  astonishnent,  came  to  me  as 
I  lay  on  the  forecastle,  and  begging  my  pardon  for  the 
cruelty  that  he  had  been  guilty  of,  shed  tears  over  me, 
and  ordered  me  to  be  carried  to  his  cabin.  He  laid  me 
in  his  own  bed,  and  watched  me  as  he  would  a  favourite 
child.  In  a  short  time  I  recovered  ;  after  which  he  would 
permit  me  to  do  no  duty,  but  insisted  upon  my  being  his 
guest,  and  loaded  me  with  every  kindness. 

"  God  is  great !  "  ejaculated  the  pacha. 

I  was  lying  in  my  bed,  meditating  upon  these  things, 
when  the  venerable  form  again  appeared  to  me. 

"  Art  thou  now  convinced  ? " 

**  I  am,"  replied  I. 

"  Then  prove  it  by  submitting  to  the  law  the  moment 
that  you  are  able.  You  shall  be  rewarded — not  at  once, 
but  when  your  faith  has  been  proved.  Mark  me,  follow 
your  profession  on  the  seas,  and,  when  once  you  find 
yourself  sitting  in  the  divan  at  Cairo,  with  two  people 
originally  of  the  same  profession  as  yourself,  without 
others  being  present,  and  have  made  this  secret  known, 
then  you  shall  be  appointed  to  the  command  of  the 
pacha's  fleet,  which   under  your   directions    shall   always 


238  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

meet  with  success.  Such  shall  be  the  reward  of  your 
fidelity." 

It  is  now  four  years  that  I  have  embraced  the  true 
faith,  and,  sinking  under  poverty,  I  was  induced  to  make 
use  of  the  exclamation  that  your  highness  heard  ;  for  how 
can  I  ever  hope  to  meet  two  barbers  at  the  divan  without 
other  people  being  present  ? 

**  Holy  prophet !  how  strange  !  Why  Mustapha  was 
a  barber,  and  so  was  I,"  cried  the  pacha. 

"  God  is  great ! "  answered  the  renegade,  prostrating 
himself.     "  Then  I  command  your  fleet  ? " 

"  From  this  hour,"  replied  the  pacha.  "  Mustapha, 
make  known  my  wishes." 

**  The  present  in  command,"  replied  Mustapha,  who 
was  not  a  dupe  to  the  wily  renegade,  "is  a  favourite 
with  the  men." 

"  Then  send  for  him  and  take  off  his  head.  Is  he  to 
interfere  with  the  commands  of  Mahomed  ?  " 

The  vizier  bowed,  and  the  pacha  quitted  the  divan. 

The  renegade,  with  a  smile  upon  his  lips,  and  Mustapha 
with  astonishment,  looked  at  each  other  for  a  few 
seconds ;  **  You  have  a  great  talent,  Selim,"  observed 
the  vizier. 

"  Thanks  to  your  introduction,  and  to  my  own  inven- 
tion, it  will  at  last  be  called  into  action.  Recollect, 
vizier,  that  I  am  grateful — you  understand  me  ; "  and 
the  renegade  quitted  the  divan,  leaving  Mustapha  still 
in  his  astonishment. 


Chapter  XIV 

"  Mustapha,"  said  the  pacha,  taking  his  pipe  out  of  his 
mouth,  after  half  an  hour's  smoking  in  silence,  "I  have 
been  thinking  it  very  odd  that  our  holy  prophet  (blessed 
be  his  name !)  should  have  given  himself  so  much  trouble 
about   such   a   son    of    Shitan    as    that   renegade   rascal. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  239 

Huckaback,  whose  religion  is  only  in  his  turban.  By 
the  sword  of  the  prophet,  is  it  not  strange  that  he  should 
send  him  to  command  my  fleet  ?  " 

*'  It  was  the  will  of  your  subHme  highness,"  replied 
Mustapha,  "  that  he  should  command  your  fleet." 

*'  Mashallah  !  was  it  not  the  will  of  the  prophet  ?  " 

Mustapha  smoked  his  pipe,  and  made  no  reply. 

"He  was  a  great  story-teller,"  observed  the  pacha, 
after  another  pause. 

"He  was,"  drily  replied  Mustapha.  "No  Kessehgou 
of  our  true  believers  could  equal  him  ;  but  that  is  now 
over,  and  the  dog  of  an  Isauri  must  prove  himself  a 
Rustam  in  the  service  of  your  sublime  highness.  Aware 
that  your  highness  would  require  amusement,  and  that  it 
was  the  duty  of  your  slave,  who  shines  but  by  the  light 
of  your  countenance,  to  procure  it,  I  have  since  yesterday, 
when  the  sun  went  down,  despairing  to  find  his  glory 
eclipsed  by  that  of  your  sublime  highness,  ordered  most 
diligent  search  to  be  made  through  the  whole  of  the 
world,  and  have  discovered,  that  in  the  caravan  now 
halted  on  the  outskirts  of  the  town,  there  was  a  famous 
Kessehgou  proceeding  to  Mecca  to  pay  his  homage  to  the 
shrine  of  our  prophet ,  and  I  have  despatched  trusty 
messengers  to  bring  him  into  the  presence  of  the  Min 
Bashi,  to  whom  your  slave,  and  the  thousands  whom 
he  rules,  are  but  as  dust : "  and  Mustapha  bowed  low. 

"  Aferin,  excellent:"  exclaimed  the  pacha;  "and 
when  will  he  be  here  ?  " 

"Before  the  tube  now  honoured  by  kissing  the  lips 
of  your  highness  shall  have  poured  out  in  ecstasy  the 
incense  of  another  bowl  of  the  fragrant  weed,  the  slippers 
of  the  Kessehgou  will  be  left  at  the  threshold  of  the 
palace.     Be  chesm,  on  my  eyes  be  it." 

"'Tis  well,  Mustapha.  Slave,"  continued  the  pacha, 
addressing  the  Greek  who  was  in  attendance,  with  his 
arms  folded  and  his  eyes  cast  down  to  the  ground; 
"  coflee — and  the  strong  water  of  the  Giaour." 

The  pacha's  pipe  was  refilled,  the  coffee  was  poured 


240  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

down  their  respective  throats,  and  the  forbidden  spirits 
quaffed  with  double  delight,  arising  from  the  very 
circumstance  that  they  were  forbidden. 

"  Surely  there  must  be  some  mistake,  Mustapha. 
Does  not  the  Koran  say,  that  all  that  is  good  is  intended 
for  true  believers ;  and  is  not  this  good  ?  How  then 
can  it  be  forbidden  ?  Could  it  be  intended  for  the 
Giaours  ?  May  they,  and  their  fathers'  graves,  be  eternally 
defiled  ! " 

"  Amen !  "  replied  Mustapha,  laying  down  the  cup, 
and  drawing  a  deep  sigh. 

Mustapha  was  correct  in  his  calculations.  Before  the 
pacha  had  finished  his  pipe,  the  arrival  of  the  story- 
teller was  announced;  and  after  waiting  a  few  minutes 
from  decorum,  which  seemed  to  the  impatient  pacha  to 
be  eternal,  Mustapha  clapped  his  hands,  and  the  man 
was  ushered  in. 

"  Kosh  amedeid  !  you  are  welcome,"  said  the  pacha, 
as  the  Kessehgou  entered  the  divan :  he  was  a  slight, 
elegantly  moulded  person,  of  about  thirty  years  of  age. 

*'  I  am  here  in  obedience  to  the  will  of  the  pacha," 
replied  the  man  in  a  most  musical  voice,  as  he  salaamed 
low.  "  What  does  his  highness  require  of  his  slave 
Menouni  ? " 

"  His  highness  requires  a  proof  of  thy  talent,  and  an 
opportunity  to  extend  his  bounty." 

"  I  am  less  than  dust,  and  am  ready  to  cover  my  head 
with  ashes,  not  to  feel  my  soul  in  the  seventh  heaven  at 
the  condescension  of  his  highness  ;  yet  would  I  fain  do 
his  bidding  and  depart,  for  a  vow  to  the  prophet  is  sacred, 
and  it  is  written  in  the  Koran " 

"  Never  mind  the  Koran  just  now,  good  Menouni ; 
we  ask  of  thee  a  proof  of  thy  art.     Tell  me  a  story." 

"  Most  proud  shall  I  be  of  the  honour.  Will  not  my 
face  be  whitened  to  all  eternity  ?  Shall  your  slave  relate 
the  loves  of  Leilah  and  Majnoun  ? " 

"  No,  no,"  replied  the  pacha ;  "  something  that  will 
interest  me." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  241 

"  Then  will  I  narrate  the  history  of  the  Scarred 
Lover." 

"  That  sounds  well,  Mustapha,"  observed  the  pacha. 

"  Who  can  foresee  so  well  as  your  sublime  highness  ? " 
replied  Mustapha.  "  Menouni,  it  is  the  pleasure  of  the 
pacha  that  you  proceed." 

"  Your  slave  obeys.  Your  sublime  perspicuity  is  but 
too  well  acquainted  with  geography ?  " 

"  Not  that  I  know  of.  Hath  he  ever  left  his  slippers  at 
our  threshold,  Mustapha  ?  " 

**  I  suspect,"  replied  Mustapha,  "  that  he  goes  all  over 
the  world,  and  therefore  he  must  have  been  here. 
Proceed,  Menouni,  and  ask  not  such  questions.  By 
virtue  of  his  office,  his  sublime  highness  knows  every 
thing." 

**  True,"  said  the  pacha,  shaking  his  beard  with  great 
dignity  and  satisfaction. 

*'  I  did  but  presume  to  put  the  question,"  replied 
Menouni,  whose  voice  was  soft  and  silvery  as  a  flute  on  a 
summer's  silent  eve,  "as,  to  perfectly  understand  the  part 
of  the  world  from  which  my  tale  has  been  transmitted,  I 
thought  a  knowledge  of  that  science  was  required  ;  but 
I  have  eaten  dirt,  and  am  covered  with  shame  at  my  indis- 
cretion, which  would  not  have  occurred,  had  it  not  been 
that  the  sublime  sultan,  when  I  last  had  the  honour  to 
narrate  the  story,  was  pleased  to  interrupt  me,  from  his 
not  being  quite  convinced  that  the  parts  of  the  world  were 
known  to  him.  But  I  v/ill  now  proceed  with  my  tale, 
which  shall  go  forward  with  the  majestic  pace  of  the 
camel,  proud  in  his  pilgrimage  over  the  desert,  towards 
the  shrine  of  our  holy  prophet." 


THE    SCARRED   LOVER. 

In  the  north-eastern  parts  of  the  vast  peninsula  of  India, 
there  did  exist  a  flourishing  and  extended  kingdom, 
eminent  for  the  beauty  of  the  country,  the  fertility  of  the 


242  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

soil,  and  the  salubrity  of  the  climate.  This  kingdom  was 
bounded  on  the  east  by  a  country  named  Lusitania,  that 
lies  northerly  towards  the  coast  of  Iceland,  so  called  from 
the  excessive  heat  of  the  winter.  On  the  south  it  was 
bounded  by  a  slip  of  land,  the  name  of  which  has  slipped 
my  memory  ;  but  it  runs  into  the  seas  under  the  dominion 
of  the  Great  Cham  of  Tartary.  On  the  west  it  is  bounded 
by  another  kingdom,  the  name  of  which  I  have  also 
forgotten ;  and  on  the  north,  by  another  kingdom,  the 
name  of  which  I  do  not  remember.  After  this  explanation, 
with  your  sublime  highness's  knowledge,  to  which  that  of 
the  sage  Lochman  was  but  in  comparison  as  the  seed  is  to 
the  water-melon,  I  hardly  need  say  that  it  was  the  ancient 
kingdom  of  Souffra. 

"  Menouni,  you  are  quite  right,"  observed  the  pacha. 
*' Proceed." 

"  Fortunate  is  your  slave  to  stand  in  the  presence  of  so 
much  wisdom,"  continued  Menouni,  **  for  I  was  in  doubt : 
the  splendour  of  your  presence  had  startled  my  memory, 
as  the  presence  of  the  caravan  doth  the  zebra  foal  of  the 
desert." 

In  this  delightful  kingdom,  where  the  nightingales  sang 
away  their  existence  in  their  love  for  the  rose,  and  the 
roses  gave  forth  their  perfume  until  the  air  was  one 
continued  essence  of  delight,  such  as  is  inhaled  by  the 
true  believers  when  they  first  approach  the  gates  of 
paradise,  and  are  enchanted  by  the  beckoning  of  the 
Houris  from  the  golden  walls,  there  lived  a  beautiful 
Hindu  princess,  who  walked  in  loveliness,  and  whose 
smile  was  a  decree  to  be  happy  to  all  on  whom  it  fell ;  yet 
for  reasons  which  my  tale  shall  tell,  she  had  heard  the 
nightingale  complain  for  eighteen  summers,  and  was  still 
unmarried.  In  this  country,  which  at  that  time  was 
peopled  by  Allah  with  infidels,  to  render  it  fertile  for  the 
true  believers,  and  to  be  their  slaves  upon  their  arrival, 
which  did  occur  some  time  after  the  occurrences  which  I 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  243 

now  relate ;  it  was  not  the  custom  for  the  females  of 
SouiFra  to  lead  the  life  of  invisibihty,  permitted  only  to 
those  who  administer  to  the  delights  of  the  followers  of 
the  Koran ;  and  although  it  was  with  exceeding  modesty 
of  demeanour,  still  did  they,  on  great  occasions,  expose 
their  charms  to  the  public  gaze,  for  which  error,  no  doubt 
if  they  had  had  souls,  beautiful  as  they  were,  they  would 
have  been  damned  to  all  eternity.  Civilisation,  as  Menou 
hath  said,  must  extend  both  far  and  wide,  before  other 
nations  will  be  so  polished  as  to  imitate  us  in  the 
splendour,  the  security,  and  the  happiness  of  our  harems ; 
and  when  I  further  remark  to  your  highness 

"Proceed,  good  Menouni,"  interrupted  Mustapha ; 
**  his  highness  is  not  fond  of  remarks." 

"  No,  by  our  beard,"  rejoined  the  pacha;  "  it  is  for  you 
to  tell  your  story,  and  for  me  to  make  remarks  when  it  is 
over." 

"  I  stand  in  the  presence  of  wisdom,"  said  Menouni, 
who  bowed  low  and  proceeded. 

The  beauteous  Babe-bi-bobu,  for  such  was  the  name  of 
the  princess,  and  which,  in  the  language  of  the  country, 
implied  "  the  cream-tart  of  delight,"  was  left  Queen  of 
the  SoufFrarians  by  the  death  of  her  father  ;  and  by  his 
will,  sworn  to  by  all  the  grandees  of  the  empire,  she  was 
enjoined,  at  twelve  years  of  age,  to  take  to  herself  a 
husband  ;  but  it  was  particularly  expressed  that  the  youth 
so  favoured  should  be  of  the  same  high  caste  as  herself,  and 
without  scar  or  blemish.  "When,  therefore,  two  years  after 
her  father's  death,  the  beautiful  Babe-bi-bobu  had  attained 
the  age  of  twelve  years,  swift  runners  on  foot,  and  speedy 
messengers  mounted  upon  the  fleetest  dromedaries  and 
Arab  horses  of  the  purest  race,  were  despatched  through 
all  the  kingdom  of  Souffra  to  make  known  the  injunctions 
of  the  will  J  the  news  of  which  at  last  flew  to  the  adjacent 
kingdoms,  and  from  them  to  all  the  corners  of  the  round 
world,    and   none   were   ignorant.     In   the    kingdom    of 


244  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

SoufFra,  from  which  the  choice  was  to  be  made,  all  the 
youth  of  caste  were  in  a  state  of  fermentation,  because 
they  had  a  chance  of  obtaining  the  honour  ;  and  all  those 
of  lower  caste  were  in  a  state  of  fermentation,  to  think 
they  had  no  chance  of  obtaining  such  an  honour  ;  and  all 
the  women  of  high  caste,  or  low  caste,  or  no  caste,  were 
all  in  a  state  of  fermentation,  because — because 

**  Because  they  always  are  so,"  interrupted  the  pacha. 
"  Proceed,  Menouni." 

**  I  thank  your  sublime  highness  for  having  relieved  me 
in  my  case  of  difficulty ;  for  who  can  give  reasons  for  the 
conduct  of  women  ?  " 

It  is  sufficient  to  say,  that  the  whole  country  was  in  a 
state  of  fermentation,  arising  from  hope,  despair,  jealousy, 
envy,  curiosity,  surmising,  wondering,  doubting,  believing, 
disbelieving,  hearing,  narrating,  chattering,  interrupting, 
and  many  other  causes,  too  tedious  to  mention.  At  the 
first  intelligence  every  Souffrarian  youth  new-strung  his 
mandolin,  and  thought  himself  sure  to  be  the  happy  man. 
Hope  was  triumphant  through  the  land,  roses  advanced  to 
double  their  price :  the  attar  was  adulterated  to  meet  the 
exorbitant  demand  ;  and  nightingales  were  almost  wor- 
shipped ;  but  this  could  not  last.  Doubt  succeeded  to  the 
empire  of  hope,  when  reflection  pointed  out  to  them,  that 
out  of  three  millions  of  very  eligible  youths,  only  one 
could  be  made  happy.  But  when  the  counsellors  are  so 
many,  the  decision  is  but  slow ;  and  so  numerous  were  the 
meetings,  the  canvassings,  the  debates,  the  discussions, 
the  harangues,  and  the  variety  of  objections  raised 
by  the  grandees  of  the  country,  that  at  the  age  of 
eighteen,  the  beauteous  bird  of  paradise,  still  unmated, 
warbled  her  virgin  strain  in  the  loneliness  of  the  royal 
groves. 

"  But  why,"  interrupted  the  pacha,  *'  why  did  they  not 
marry  her,  when  there  were  three  millions  of  young  men 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  245 

ready  to  take  her  ?     I  can't  understand  the  cause  of  six 
years'  delay." 

The  reason,  most  sublime,  was,  that  the  grandees  of 
SoufFra  were  not  endowed  with  your  resplendent  wisdom, 
or  the  beautiful  Babe-bi-bobu  had  not  so  long  languished 
for  a  husband.  All  this  delay  was  produced  by  doubt, 
which  the  poets  truly  declare  to  be  the  father  of  delay.  It 
was  a  doubt  which  arose  in  the  mind  of  one  of  the 
Brahmins,  who,  when  a  doubt  arose  in  his  mind,  would 
mumble  it  over  and  over,  but  never  masticate,  swallow,  or 
digest  it ;  and  thus  was  the  preservation  of  the  royal 
line  endangered.  For  years  had  the  aspirants  for  regal 
dignity,  and  more  than  regal  beauty,  hovered  round  the 
court,  each  with  his  mandolin  on  his  arm,  and  a  huge 
packet  of  love-sonnets  borne  behind  him  by  a  slave,  and  yet 
all  was  doubt ;  and  the  beautiful  Princess  Babe-bi-bobu 
remained  unmarried. 

"  I  doubt  whether  we  shall  ever  come  to  the  doubt," 
interrupted  the  pacha  impatiently,  "  or  the  princess  to  a 
husband." 

The  doubt  shall  now  be  laid  at  your  excellency's  feet. 
It  was,  as  to  the  exact  meaning  of  the  words,  without  scar 
or  blemish,  and  whether  moles  were  to  be  considered  as 
scars  or  blemishes*  The  Brahmin  was  of  opinion  that  moles 
zuere  blemishes,  and  many  others  agreed  with  him  ;  that  is, 
all  those  who  had  no  moles  on  their  persons  were  of  his 
opinion  ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  those  who  were  favoured 
by  nature  with  those  distinguishing  marks,  declared  that  so 
far  from  their  being  scars  or  blemishes,  they  must  be  con- 
sidered as  additional  beauties  granted  by  heaven  to  those 
most  favoured.  The  dispute  ran  high,  and  the  beautiful 
Princess  Babe-bi-bobu  remained  unmarried.  This  great 
question  was  at  last  very  properly  referred  to  the  mufti ; 
these  sages  handled  it,  and  turned  it,  and  twisted  it, 
added  to  it,  multiplied  it,  subtracted  from  it,  and  divided 


246  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

it,  debated  it  fasting,  debated  it  on  a  full  stomach,  nodded 
over  it,  dreamt  on  it,  slept  on  it,  woke  up  with  it,  analysed 
it,  criticised  it,  and  wrote  forty-eight  folio  volumes,  of 
which  twenty-four  were  advocates  of,  and  twenty-four 
opponents  to,  the  question  ;  the  only  conclusion  which  they 
could  come  to  at  last  was,  that  moles  were  moles  :  and  the 
beautiful  Princess  Babe-bi-bobu  remained  unmarried. 

The  question  was  then  taken  up  by  the  dervishes  and 
fakirs  of  the  country  in  a  religious  point  of  view  ;  they  split 
into  two  parties,  tried  the  question  by  a  dispute  under  a 
banyan  tree,  which  lasted  eighteen  months,  and  still  not 
half  of  the  holy  men  had  given  their  sentiments  upon  the 
question  ;  tired  of  talking,  they  proceeded  to  blows,  and 
then  to  anathematisation  and  excommunication  of  each 
other  ;  lastly,  they  had  recourse  to  impalement  to  convince 
each  other  ;  more  than  a  thousand  perished  on  each  side  : 
and  still  the  beautiful  Princess  Babe-bi-bobu  remained 
unmarried. 

The  colleges  and  schools  of  the  kingdom  took  up  the 
question,  and  argued  it  metaphysically,  and  after  having 
irrecoverably  lost,  between  the  two  sides,  twenty-two 
millions  of  threads  of  arguments,  the  question  was  as  fresh 
as  ever,  and  the  beautiful  Princess  Babe-bi-bobu  remained 
unmarried. 

But  this  was  not  all ;  for  at  last  the  whole  nation  joined 
in  the  quarrel,  splitting  into  violent  and  angry  factions, 
which  divided  town  against  town,  inhabitants  against  in- 
habitants, house  against  house,  family  against  family, 
husband  against  wife,  father  against  son,  brother  against 
sister ;  and  in  some  cases,  where  he  had  doubts  on  both 
sides,  a  man  against  himself.  The  whole  nation  flew  to 
arms,  distinguishing  themselves  as  Molists  and  Anti- 
Molists ;  four  hundred  insurrections,  and  four  civil  wars, 
were  the  consequence  ;  and  what  was  a  worse  consequence, 
the  beautiful  Princess  Babe-bi-bobu  remained  unmarried. 
Your  sublime  highness  must  allow  that  it  was  a  very  nice 
question 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  247 

"  What  is  your  opinion,  Mustapha  ? "  demanded  the 
pacha. 

"  Is  your  slave  to  speak  ?  Then  I  would  say,  that  it 
was  absurd  to  make  such  a  mountain  of  a  mole-hill." 

"Very  true,  Mustapha.  This  princess  will  never  be 
married ;  so  proceed,  good  Menouni." 

I  should  observe  to  your  sublime  highness,  that  the 
Molists  were  the  strongest  party,  and  the  most  arrogant ; 
not  content  with  wearing  the  marks  of  nature,  they  stuck 
upon  their  faces  fictitious  moles  of  every  hue  and  colour, 
and  the  most  violent  partisans  appeared  as  if  they  were 
suffering  from  some  cutaneous  disorder.  It  was  also 
a  singular  circumstance,  that  no  Molist  was  ever  known 
to  change  sides,  whereas,  after  bathing,  many  of  the 
Anti-Molists  were  found  most  shamefully  to  apostatise. 
Everything  was  disastrous,  and  the  country  in  a  state 
of  anarchy  and  confusion,  when  the  question  was  most 
fortunately  settled  by  the  remark  of  a  little  slave  about 
twelve  years  old,  who  was  regularly  flogged  by  his 
master  every  morning  that  he  got  up,  upon  a  suspicion 
of  Molism,  and  as  regularly  every  evening  by  his  mistress, 
on  a  second  suspicion  of  Anti-Molism.  This  poor  little 
fellow  whispered  to  another  boy,  that  moles  were 
blemishes  or  not,  just  as  people  happened  to  think  them, 
but,  as  for  his  part,  he  thought  nothing  about  the 
matter.  The  espionage  at  that  time  was  so  strict,  that 
even  a  whisper  was  to  be  heard  at  the  distance  of  miles, 
and  this  observation  was  reported;  it  certainly  was  new 
because  it  was  neutral,  when  neutrality  was  not  permitted 
or  thought  of;  it  was  buzzed  about;  the  remark  was 
declared  wonderful,  it  ran  like  wildfire  through  the 
suburbs,  it  roared  through  the  city,  it  shook  the  very 
gates  of  the  palace ;  at  last  it  reached  the  holy  in  divan, 
who  pronounced  it  to  be  inspiration  from  the  Deity,  and 
immediately  there  was  issued  a  solemn  edict,  in  which 
it  was  laid  down  as  a  most  positive  and  important  article 
of  Soufirarian  faith,  that  moles  were  not  scars,  and  only 


248  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

blemishes  when  they  were  considered  so  to  be.  Every- 
one praised  the  wisdom  of  this  edict  j  it  was  read  and 
subscribed  to  as  an  article  of  faith ;  towns  greeted  towns, 
house  congratulated  house,  and  relations  shook  hands ; 
what  was  still  stranger  was,  husbands  and  wives  were 
reconciled — and  what  was  even  more  delightful,  there 
was  now  some  chance  of  the  beautiful  Princess  Babe-bi- 
bobu  no  longer  remaining  unmarried. 

This  fortunate  edict,  by  which  it  was  clear  that  those 
v/ho  believed  a  mole  to  be  a  blemish  were  quite  safe, 
and  those  who  did  not  believe  it,  were  in  no  manner  of 
danger,  set  everything  to  rights ;  the  metropolis  was 
again  filled  with  aspirants,  the  air  tortured  with  the 
music  of  the  mandolins,  and  impregnated  with  the  attar 
of  roses.  Who  can  attempt  to  describe  the  sumptuous- 
ness  of  the  palace,  and  the  splendour  of  the  hall  in  which 
the  beautiful  princess  sat,  to  receive  the  homage  of  the 
flower  of  the  youth  of  her  kingdom.  Soothingly  soft, 
sweetly,  lovingly  soft,  were  the  dulcet  notes  of  the 
warbling  Asparas,  or  singing  girls,  now  ebbing,  now 
flowing  in  tender  gushes  of  melody,  while  down  the 
sides  of  the  elegant  and  highly  pillared  hall,  now 
advancing,  now  retreating,  the  dancing  girls,  each 
beautiful  as  Artee  herself  in  her  splendour,  seemed 
almost  to  demand,  in  their  aggregate,  that  gaze  of 
homage  due  only  to  the  peerless  individual  who  at  once 
burned  and  languished  on  her  emerald  throne.  Three 
days  had  the  princess  sat  in  that  hall  of  delight,  tired  and 
annoyed  with  the  constant  stream  of  the  SouiFra  youths, 
who  prostrated  themselves  and  passed  on.  The  fourth 
morning  dawned,  and  none  could  say  that  either  by 
gesture,  sigh,  or  look,  they  had  been  distinguished  by 
even  a  shadow  of  preference.  And  the  noble  youths 
communed  in  their  despair,  and  murmured  among  them- 
selves ;  many  a  foot  was  stamped  with  unbecoming 
impatience,  and  many  a  moustache  twisted  with  a  pretty 
indignation.  The  inhabitants  of  the  capital  blamed  the 
impetuosity  of  the  youths ;    to  say  the  least  of  it,  if  it 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  249 

were  not  disloyal,  it  was  ungallant,  and  what  was  worse, 
they  showed  no  regard  for  the  welfare  of  the  citizens, 
over  whom  they  each  aspired  to  reign  as  sovereign,  for 
they  must  be  aware  that  now  was  the  time  that  the 
citizens,  from  such  an  influx  of  aspirants,  were  reaping 
a  golden  harvest.  And  they  added,  with  great  truth, 
that  a  princess  who  had  been  compelled  to  wait  six 
years  to  satisfy  the  doubts  of  others,  had  a  most  undeni- 
able right  to  wait  as  many  days  to  satisfy  her  own.  On 
the  fourth  day,  the  beautiful  Babe-bi-bobu  again  took 
her  seat  on  the  golden  cushions,  with  her  legs  crossed, 
and  her  little  feet  hidden  under  the  folds  of  her  loose, 
azure-coloured  satin  trousers,  and  it  was  supposed  that 
there  was  more  brightness  in  her  eyes,  and  more  anima- 
tion in  her  countenance  than  on  the  previous  days ;  but 
still  the  crowd  passed  on  unnoticed.  Even  the  learned 
Brahmins,  who  stood  immovable  in  rows  on  each  side 
of  her  throne,  became  impatient :  they  talked  about  the 
fickleness  of  the  sex,  the  impossibility  of  inducing  them 
to  make  up  their  minds ;  they  whispered  wise  saws  and 
sayings  from  Ferdistan  and  others,  about  the  caprice  of 
women,  and  the  instability  of  their  natures,  and  the  more 
their  legs  ached  from  such  perpetual  demand  upon  their 
support,  the  more  bitter  did  they  become  in  their  remarks. 
Poor,  prosing  old  fools  !  the  beauteous  princess  had  long 
made  up  her  mind,  and  had  never  swerved  from  it  through 
the  tedious  six  years  during  which  the  doubts  and  dis- 
cussions of  those  venerable  old  numskulls  had  embroiled 
the  whole  nation  in  the  Molean  and  Anti-Molean  con- 
troversy. 

It  was  about  the  first  hour  after  noon  that  the  beautiful 
Babe-bi-bobu,  suddenly  rising  from  her  recumbent  atti- 
tude, clapped  her  pretty  little  hands,  the  fingers  of  which 
were  beautifully  tipped  with  henna,  and  beckoning  to  her 
attendants,  retired  gracefully  from  the  hall  of  audience. 
The  surprise  and  commotion  was  great,  and  what  made 
her  conduct  more  particular  was,  that  the  only  son  of 
the  chief  Brahmin  who  had  first  raised  the  questipn,  and 


250  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

headed  the  Anti-Molist  party,  was  at  the  moment  of  the 
princess's  departure,  prostrate  before  the  throne,  with 
his  forehead,  indeed,  to  the  ground,  but  his  bosom 
swelling  high  with  hope  and  ambition. 

Within  a  bower  of  orange  trees,  in  the  deep  recesses 
of  the  royal  gardens,  to  which  she  had  hastened,  sat  the 
panting  princess.  She  selected  some  flowers  from  those 
which  were  scattered  round  her,  and  despatched  them  to 
her  favourite  musician  and  attendant,  Acota.  Who  was 
there  in  the  whole  kingdom  of  SoufFra  who  could  so 
sweetly  touch  the  mandolin  as  Acota  ?  Yet,  who  was 
there,  not  only  in  SoufFra,  but  in  all  the  adjacent  countries, 
who  struck  such  occasional  discordant  notes  as  Acota, 
and  that  in  the  ear  of  the  beautiful  princess  Babe-bi-bobu, 
who,  far  from  being  displeased,  appeared  to  approve  of 
his  occasional  violence,  which  not  only  threatened  to 
crack  the  strings  of  the  instrument,  but  the  tympanums 
of  those  who  were  near,  who  longed  to  escape,  and 
leave  the  princess  to  enjoy  the  dissonance  alone,  little 
thinking  that  the  discord  was  raised  that  their  souls' 
harmony  might  be  undisturbed  by  the  presence  of  others, 
and  that  the  jarring  of  the  strings  was  more  than  repaid 
to  the  princess,  by  the  subsequent  music  of  Acota's 
voice. 

Acota  seated  himself,  at  a  signal  from  the  princess,  and 
commenced  his  playing,  if  such  it  could  be  called,  thrum- 
ming violently,  and  jarring  every  chord  of  his  instrument 
to  a  tone  of  such  dissonance,  that  the  attendant  girls  put 
their  fingers  into  their  ears,  and  pitied  the  beautiful  Babe- 
bi-bobu's  bad  taste  in  music. 

**  Ah !  Acota,"  said  the  princess,  opening  upon  him  all 
the  tenderness  of  her  large  and  beaming  eyes,  "  how  weary 
am  I  of  sitting  on  my  cushion,  and  seeing  fop  after  fop, 
fool  after  fool,  dawdle  down  upon  their  faces  before  me ; 
and,  moreover,  I  am  suffocated  with  perfumes.  Strike 
your  mandolin  again  louder,  beloved  of  my  soul — still 
louder,  that  I  may  be  further  relieved  of  this  unwished-for 
crowd." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  251 

Thereupon,  Acota  seized  his  mandolin,  and  made  such 
an  unaccountable  confusion  of  false  notes,  such  a  horrid  jar- 
ring, that  all  the  birds  within  one  hundred  yards  shrieked 
as  they  fled,  and  the  watchful  old  chamberlain,  who  was 
always  too  near  the  princess,  in  her  opinion,  and  never  near 
enough,  in  his  own,  cried  out,  **  Yah — yah — baba  senna, 
curses  on  his  mother,  and  his  mandolin  into  the  bargain  !  " 
as  his  teeth  chattered ;  and  he  hastened  away,  as  fast  as 
his  obesity  would  permit  him.  The  faithful  damsels  who 
surrounded  the  princess  could  neither  stand  it  nor  sit  it  any 
longer — they  were  in  agonies,  all  their  teeth  were  set  on 
edge ;  and  at  last,  when  Acota,  with  one  dreadful  crash, 
broke  every  string  of  his  instrument,  they  broke  loose  from 
the  reins  of  duty,  and  fled  in  every  direction  of  the  garden, 
leaving  the  princess  and  Acota  alone. 

**  Beloved  of  my  soul,"  said  the  princess,  "  I  have  at  last 
invented  a  plan  by  which  our  happiness  will  be  secured !  " 
and  in  a  low  tone  of  voice,  but  without  looking  at  each 
other,  that  they  might  not  attract  the  observation  of  the 
chamberlain,  they  sweetly  communed.  Acota  listened  a 
few  minutes  to  the  soft  voice  of  the  princess,  and  then  took 
up  his  broken-stringed  mandolin,  and  with  a  profound  rever- 
ence for  the  benefit  of  the  old  chamberlain,  he  departed. 

In  the  meantime,  a  rumour  was  spread  abroad  that  at 
sunset  a  public  examination  of  all  the  candidates  was  to 
take  place  on  the  bank  of  the  rapid-flowing  river,  which 
ran  through  a  spacious  meadow  near  to  the  city,  in  order 
to  reject  those  candidates  who  might  prove,  by  any  scar  or 
blemish,  not  to  come  expressly  within  the  meaning  of  the 
old  king's  will.  Twelve  old  fakirs,  and  twenty-four 
mollahs  with  spectacles,  were  appointed  as  examining 
officers.  It  was  supposed,  as  this  was  a  religious  cere- 
mony, that  all  the  females  of  SoufFra,  who  were  remarkable 
for  their  piety,  would  not  fail  to  attend — and  all  the  world 
were  eager  for  the  commencement  of  the  examination.  O 
then  it  was  pleasant  to  see  the  running,  and  mounting,  and 
racing,  among  the  young  SoufFrarian  rayahs,  who  were 
expected   to  be  examined ;   and  a   stranger  would   have 


252  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

thought  that  a  sudden  pestilence  had  entered  the  city,  from 
the  thousands  upon  thousands  who  poured  out  from  it, 
hastening  to  the  river  side,  to  behold  the  ceremony.  But 
to  the  astonishment  of  the  people,  almost  all  the  rayahs, 
as  soon  as  they  were  mounted,  left  the  city  in  an  opposite 
direction,  some  declaring,  that  they  were  most  surely  with- 
out scar  or  blemish,  but  still  they  could  not  consent  to  expose 
their  persons  to  the  gaze  of  so  many  thousands  j  others 
declared,  that  they  left  on  account  of  scars  and  honourable 
ivounds  received  in  battle,  and  until  that  afternoon,  the 
SouiFrarians  were  not  aware  of  how  much  modesty  and  how 
much  courage  they  had  to  boast  in  their  favoured  land  \ 
and  many  regretted,  as  they  viewed  the  interminable  line 
of  gallant  young  men  depart,  that  the  will  of  the  late  king 
should  have  made  scars  received  in  battle  to  be  a  bar  to 
advancement ;  but  they  were  checked  by  the  Brahmins,  who 
told  them  that  there  was  a  holy  and  hidden  mystery  con- 
tained in  the  injunction  of  the  old  king's  will. 

**  By  the  beard  of  the  prophet,  it  takes  a  long  time  to 
get  a  husband  for  this  princess  of  yours,  Menouni,'* 
observed  the  pacha  with  a  yawn. 

*'  Your  sublime  highness  will  not  be  surprised  at  it,  when 
you  consider  the  conditions  of  the  old  king's  will." 

The  examination  was  most  strict,  and  even  a  small  cut 
was  sufficient  to  render  a  young  man  ineligible  ;  a  corn  was 
considered  as  a  blemish — and  a  young  man  even  having  been 
bled  by  a  leech  to  save  his  life,  lost  him  all  chance  of  the 
princess. 

''  Pray  may  I  ask,  if  a  barber  had  cut  the  skin  in  shaving 
their  heads,  was  that  considered  as  a  scar  ? " 

"  Most  decidedly,  your  highness." 

"  Then  those  fakirs  and  mollahs,  with  their  spectacles, 
and  the  Brahmins,  were  a  parcel  of  fools.  Were  they  not, 
Mustapha  ? " 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ^sz 

"  Your  highness's  wisdom  is  like  the  overflowing  of  the 
honey  pot,"  replied  Mustapha. 

"  Your  know,  Mustapha,  as  well  as  I  do,  that  it  is  almost 
impossible  not  to  draw  blood,  if  there  happens  to  be  a 
pimple,  or  a  bad  razor;  but,  however,  proceed,  Menouni, 
and  if  possible  marry  this  beautiful  princess." 

About  two  hours  before  sunset  the  beautiful  Babe-bi- 
bobu,  *'  the  cream-tart  of  delight,"  more  splendidly  dressed 
than  before,  again  entered  the  hall  of  audience,  and  found 
to  her  surprise,  that  there  remained  out  of  the  many  thou- 
sands of  young  rayahs,  not  fifty  who  could  pretend  to  the 
honour  of  her  hand  and  throne.  Among  them,  no  longer 
dressed  as  a  musician,  but  robed  in  the  costume  of  his  high 
caste,  stood  the  conscious  and  proud  Acota,  and,  although 
his  jewels  might  not  have  vied  with  those  worn  by  others 
who  stood  by  him,  yet  the  brightness  of  his  eyes  more  than 
compensated.  Next  to  Acota  stood  Mezrimbi,  the  son  of 
the  chief  Brahmin,  and  he,  only,  could  be  compared  to  Acota 
in  personal  beauty  ;  but  his  character  was  known — he  was 
proud,  overbearing,  and  cruel.  The  beauteous  Babe-bi- 
bobu  feared  him,  for  there  was  a  clause  in  her  father's  will, 
by  which,  if  the  first  choice  of  the  princess  should  prove 
by  any  intermediate  accident  to  be  ineligible,  his  father,  the 
chief  Brahmin,  was  empowered  to  make  a  selection  for  the 
princess,  and  his  decision  was  to  be  equally  inviolable. 
The  beauteous  eyes  of  the  princess  first  lighted  upon  the 
form  of  Mezrimbi,  and  she  trembled,  but  the  proud  bearing 
of  Acota  reassured  her,  and  waving  her  hand  as  she  sat, 
she  addressed  the  assembled  youths  as  follows  : — 

"  Faithful  and  gentle  rayahs,  impute  it  to  no  want  of 
modesty  that,  for  once,  I  sink  the  graceful  bashfulness  of 
the  virgin,  and  assume  the  more  forward  deportment  of  the 
queen.  When  all  appear  to  possess  such  merit,  how  can  I 
slight  all  but  one  by  my  decision  ?  Let  me  rather  leave  it 
to  the  immortal  Vishnu  to  decide  who  is  most  worthy  to 
reign  over  this  our  kingdom  of  SoufFra.  Let  Vishnu 
prompt  you  to  read  your  destiny ;  I  have  placed  a  flower 


254  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

in  this  unworthy  bosom,  which  is  shortly  to  call  one  of  you 
its  lord.  Name  then,  the  flower,  and  he  who  first  shall 
name  it,  let  him  be  proclaimed  the  lawful  king  of  Souffra. 
Take  then,  your  instruments,  noble  rayahs,  and  to  their 
sounds,  in  measured  verse,  pour  out  the  name  of  the  hidden 
flower,  and  the  reason  for  my  choice.  Thus  shall  fate 
decide  the  question,  and  no  one  say  that  his  merits  have 
been  slighted." 

Having  finished  her  address,  the  beauteous  princess  let 
fall  her  veil,  and  was  silent.  A  shout  of  applause  was 
followed  by  wild  strummings  and  tunings  of  mandolins, 
and  occasional  scratching  of  heads  or  turbans,  to  remember 
all  that  Hafiz  had  ever  written,  or  to  aid  their  attempts  at 
improviso  versification.  Time  flew  on,  and  no  one  of  the 
young  rayahs  appeared  inclined  to  begin.  At  last  one 
stepped  forward,  and  named  the  rose,  in  a  borrowed 
couplet.  He  was  dismissed  with  a  graceful  wave  of  the 
hand  by  the  princess,  and  broke  his  mandolin  in  his  vexa- 
tion, as  he  quitted  the  hall  of  audience.  And  thus  did  they 
continue,  one  after  another,  to  name  flower  after  flower, 
and  quit  the  hall  of  audience  in  despair.  Then  might 
these  beautiful  youths,  as  they  all  stood  before  the  princess, 
be  compared,  themselves,  to  the  most  beauteous  flowers, 
strong  rooted  in  their  hopes,  and  basking  in  the  sun  of  her 
presence  ;  and,  as  their  hopes  were  cut  off,  what  were  they 
but  the  same  flowers  severed  from  their  stalks,  and  droop- 
ing before  the  sunny  beams,  now  too  powerful  to  be  borne, 
or  loaded  with  the  dew  of  tears,  removed  to  fade  away  un- 
heeded ?  There  were  but  few  left,  when  Mezrimbi,  who 
had,  as  he  thought,  hit  upon  the  right  name,  and  who, 
watching  the  countenance  of  Acota,  which  had  an  air  of 
impatient  indifference  upon  it,  which  induced  Mezrimbi  to 
suppose  that  he  had  lighted  upon  the  same  idea,  and  might 
forestall  him,  stepped  forward  with  his  mandolin.  Mez- 
rimbi was  considered  one  of  the  best  poets  in  Souffra ;  in 
fact,  he  had  every  talent,  but  not  one  virtue.  He  bent 
forward  in  an  elegant  attitude,  and  sang  as  follows  ; — 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  255 

"  Who  does  the  nightino^ale  love  ?     Alas  !  we 
Know.     She  sings  of  her  love  in  the  silence  of 
Night,  and  never  tells  the  name  of  her  adored  one. 

What  are  flowers  but  the  language  of  love  ? 
And  does  not  the  nightingale  rest  her  breast 
Upon  the  thorn  as  she  pours  out  her  plaintive  notes  ? 

Take  then  out  of  thy  bosom'  the  sweet  flower  of  May 
Which  is  hidden  there,  emblematical  of  thy  love, 
And  the  pleasing  pain  that  it  has  occasioned." 

When  Mezrimbi  had  finished  the  two  first  verses,  the 
beauteous  princess  started  with  fear  that  he  had  gained 
her  secret,  and  it  was  with  a  feeling  of  agony  that  she 
listened  to  the  last ;  agony  succeeded  by  a  flow  of  joy,  at 
his  not  having  been  successful.  Impatiently  she  waved 
her  hand,  and  as  impatiently  did  Mezrimbi  depart  from 
her  presence. 

Acota  then  stepped  forward,  and  after  a  prelude,  the 
beauty  of  which  astonished  all  those  around  the  queen's 
person,  for  they  had  no  idea  that  he  could  play  in  tune, 
sang  in  a  clear  melodious  voice  the  following  stanzas : — 

"  Sweet,  blushing  cheek  !  the  rose  is  there, 
Thy  breath,  the  fragrance  of  its  bowers ; 
Lilies  are  on  thy  bosom  fair, 
And  e'en  thy  very  words  seem  flowers. 

But  lily,  rose,  or  flower,  that  blows 

In  India's  garden,  on  thy  breast 

Must  meet  its  death — by  breathing  sweets 

Where  it  were  ecstasy  to  rest. 

A  blossom  from  a  nettle  ta'en, 
Is  in  thy  beauteous  bosom  bound. 
Born  amid  stings,  it  gives  no  pain, 
Tis  sweetness  among  venom  found." 

Acota  was  silent.  The  beauteous  princess,  as  the 
minstrel  finished,  rose  slowly  and  tremulously  from  her 
cushions,  and  taking  the  blossom  of  a  nettle  from  her 
bosom,  placed  it  in  the  hands  of  the  happy  Acota,  saying, 
with  a  great  deal  of  piety,  "It  is  the  will  of  Heaven." 


256  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

*'  But  how  was  it  possible  for  Acota  to  find  out  that  the 
princess  had  a  nettle  blossom  in  her  bosom  ? "  interrupted 
the  pacha.  "  No  man  could  ever  have  guessed  it.  I 
can't  make  that  out.     Can  you,  Mustapha  ? " 

"  Your  sublime  highness  is  right ;  no  man  ever  could 
have  guessed  such  a  thing,"  replied  Mustapha.  "  There 
is  but  one  way  to  account  for  it,  which  is,  that  the  princess 
must  have  told  him  her  intentions  when  they  were  alone  in 
the  royal  garden." 

"Very  true,  Mustapha — well,  thank  Allah,  the  princess 
is  married  at  last." 

"I  beg  pardon  of  your  sublime  highness,  but  the 
beauteous  princess  is  not  yet  married,"  said  Menouni  -, 
"  the  story  is  not  yet  finished." 

"  Wallah  el  nebi  !  "  exclaimed  the  pacha.  "  By  God 
and  his  prophet,  is  she  never  to  be  married  ? " 

"  Yes,  your  sublime  highness,  but  not  just  yet.  Shall 
I  proceed  ? " 

"  Yes,  Menouni,  and  the  faster  you  get  on  the  better." 

"Amidst  the  cries  of  "Long  live  Acota,  SoufFriaria's 
legitimate  king." 

"  Legitimate.  Pray,  good  Menouni,  what  may  that 
word  mean  ? " 

"  Legitimate,  your  sublime  highness,  implies  that  a 
king  and  his  descendants  are  chosen  by  Allah  to  reign  over 
a  people." 

"  Well,  but  I  don't  see  that  Allah  had  much  to  do  with 
the  choice  of  Acota." 

"  Nor  with  the  choice  of  any  other  king,  I  suspect,  your 
sublime  highness ;  but  still  the  people  were  made  to 
believe  so,  and  that  is  all  that  is  sufficient.  Allah  does 
not  interfere  in  the  choice  of  any  but  those  who  reign  over 
true  believers.  The  Sultan  is  the  Holy  Prophet's  vice- 
gerent on  earth — and  he,  guided  by  the  prophet,  invests 
virtue  and  wisdom  with  the  Kalaats  of  dignity,  in  the 
persons  of  his  pachas." 

"Very  true,"  said  the  pacha,  "the  Sultan  is  guided  by 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  257 

Allah,  and,"  continued  he  in  a  low  tone  to  Mustapha,  "  a 
few  hundred  purses  to  boot.    Menouni,  you  may  proceed." 

Amidst  the  cries  of  **Long  live  Acota,  SoufFraria's 
legitimate  king !  "  Acota  was  led  to  the  throne  by  the 
attendant  grandees  of  the  nation,  where  he  received  the 
homage  of  all  present.  It  was  arranged  by  the  grandees 
and  mollahs  that  the  marriage  should  take  place  the  next 
day.  The  assembly  broke  up,  and  hastened  in  every 
direction  to  make  preparations  for  the  expected  ceremony. 

But  who  can  describe  the  jealousy,  the  envy,  and  the 
indignation  which  swelled  in  the  breasts  of  Mezrimbi  and 
his  father,  the  chief  Brahmin  ?  They  met,  they  consulted, 
they  planned,  and  they  schemed.  Acota  was  not  yet 
king,  although  he  was  proclaimed  as  such — he  was  not 
king  until  his  marriage  with  the  beautiful  Princess  Babe- 
bi-bobu,  "  the  cream-tart  of  delight,"  and  should  he  be 
scarred  or  blemished  before  the  marriage  of  the  ensuing 
day,  then  must  the  Brahmin,  by  the  will  of  the  old  king, 
choose  his  successor ;  and  who  could  he  choose  but  his  own 
son  ? 

"  Father,"  said  young  Mezrimbi,  his  beautiful  counten- 
ance distorted  by  the  vilest  passions  of  Jehanum,  "  I  have 
planned  as  follows : — I  have  mutes  ready  to  obey  my 
wishes,  and  a  corrosive  burning  acid,  which  will  eat  deeply 
into  the  flesh  of  the  proud  Acota.  I  know  that  he  will 
pass  the  time  away  in  the  garden  of  the  royal  grove. 
I  know  even  the  bower  in  which  he  hath  wooed  and  won 
the  fair  princess.  Let  us  call  these  mutes,  explain  to 
them  what  we  wish,  and  by  to-morrow's  sun  the  throne  of 
SoufFraria  will  fall  to  the  race  of  Mezrimbi.  Are  we  not 
of  the  purest  blood  of  the  plains,  and  is  not  Acota  but  a 
rayah  of  the  mountains  ?  " 

And  the  chief  Brahmin  was  pleased  with  his  son's 
proposal ;  the  mutes  were  summoned,  the  black,  tongue- 
less,  everythingless,  hideous  creatures,  bowed  in  their 
humility,  and  followed  their  master,  who,  with  the  chief 
Brahmin,  ventured  by  a  circuitous  route  to  invade  the 
p  R 


258  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

precincts  of  the  royal  grove.  Slowly  and  cautiously  did 
they  proceed  towards  the  bower,  where,  as  Mezrimbi  had 
truly  said,  Acota  was  waiting  for  his  beloved  princess. 
Fortunately,  as  they  approached,  a  disturbed  snake,  hissing 
in  his  anger,  caused  an  exclamation  from  the  old  Brahmin, 
which  aroused  Acota  from  his  delicious  reverie.  Through 
the  foliage  he  perceived  and  recognised  Mezrimbi,  his 
father,  and  the  mutes.  Convinced  that  they  meditated 
mischief  towards  himself,  he  secreted  himself  among  the 
rose-bushes,  lying  prostrate  on  the  ground  ;  but  in  his 
haste,  he  left  his  cloak  and  mandolin.  Mezrimbi  entered 
the  bower,  and  explained  to  the  mutes  by  signs  what  it 
was  which  he  desired,  showed  them  the  cloak  and 
mandolin  to  make  known  the  object  of  his  wrath,  and 
put  into  their  hands  the  bottle  of  corrosive  acid.  They 
satisfied  him  that  they  comprehended  his  wishes,  and 
the  party  then  retired,  the  chief  Brahmin  quitting  the 
grove  for  his  own  house,  the  mutes  lying  in  wait  under 
some  bushes  for  the  arrival  of  Acota,  and  Mezrimbi 
walking  away  into  the  recesses  of  the  grove,  anxious 
as  to  the  issue  of  the  plot.  Acota,  perfectly  aware 
of  what  was  intended,  laughed  in  his  sleeve,  and  thanked 
Allah  for  this  fortunate  discovery ;  he  crawled  away 
on  his  hands  and  knees,  so  as  not  to  be  perceived,  and  hid 
himself,  with  his  cloak  and  mandolin,  watching  in  turn 
the  motions  of  the  others — and  thus  did  all  parties  watch 
until  the  sun  descended  behind  the  blue  hills  which 
divided  the  kingdom  of  Souffraria  from  that  of  the  other 
kingdom,  which  my  treacherous  memory  has  dared  to 
forget  in  your  highness's  sublime  presence.  Mezrimbi 
was  the  only  one  who  was  not  motionless :  he  paced 
up  and  down  in  all  the  anxiety  of  anticipation  and  doubt, 
and  at  last  he  stopped,  and,  tired  out  with  contending 
feelings,  sat  down  at  the  foot  of  a  tree,  close  to  where 
Acota  was  concealed.  The  nightingale  was  pouring  forth, 
her  sweet  melody,  and,  friendly  to  lovers,  she  continued 
it  until  Mezrimbi,  who  had  listened  to  it,  and  whose  angry 
feelings  had  been  soothed  with  her  dulcet  strains,   fell 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  259 

fast  asleep.  Acota  perceived  it,  and  approaching  him 
softly,  laid  his  cloak  over  him,  and  taking  up  his  mandolin, 
struck  a  chord,  which  he  knew  would  not  be  lost  upon 
the  quick-eared  mutes,  although  not  so  loud  as  to  awake 
Mezrimbi.  Acota  was  right ;  in  a  minute  he  perceived 
the  dark  beings  crawling  through  the  underwood  like 
jackals  who  had  scented  out  their  prey,  and  Acota  was 
again  concealed  in  the  thick  foliage.  They  approached 
like  shadows  in  the  dark,  and  perceived  the  sleeping 
Mezrimbi  with  the  cloak  of  Acota  and  the  mandolin, 
which  Acota,  after  striking  it,  had  laid  by  his  side. 
It  was  sufficient.  Mezrimbi's  face  was  covered  with  the 
burning  acid  before  even  he  was  awakened  j  his  screams 
were  smothered  in  a  shawl,  and  satisfied  with  having 
obeyed  the  injunctions  of  their  master,  the  mutes  hastened 
back  to  report  their  success,  taking,  however,  the  pre- 
caution of  tying  the  hands  and  feet  of  Mezrimbi,  that 
he  might  not  go  home  to  receive  any  help  in  his  distress. 
They  escaped  out  of  the  gardens,  and  reported  to  the 
chief  Brahmin  the  success  of  the  operations,  and  how  they 
had  left  him,  Acota,  in  the  woods.  The  old  Mezrimbi, 
upon  reflection,  thought  it  advisable  that  the  person 
of  Acota  should  be  in  his  power,  that  he  might  be  able 
to  produce  him  when  required  upon  the  ensuing  day. 
He  therefore  desired  the  mutes  to  go  back  and  bring 
Acota  to  the  house,  keeping  a  strict  guard  that  he  might 
not  escape. 

When  the  mutes  had  quitted  Mezrimbi,  Acota  rose 
from  his  hiding  place,  and  went  towards  the  unfortunate 
wretch,  who  still  groaned  with  pain,  but  his  face  was 
muffled  up  in  the  shawl,  so  that  his  features  were  hidden. 
At  first  Acota  had  intended  to  have  reviled  and  scoffed 
at  his  treacherous  enemy,  but  his  good  heart  forbade 
it.  Another  idea  then  came  into  his  head.  He  took 
off  the  cloak  of  Mezrimbi,  and  substituted  his  own  ;  he 
exchanged  turbans  and  scimitars,  and  then  left  him  and 
went  home.  Shortly  after  Acota  had  quitted  the  wood, 
the  mutes   returned,   lifted   the   miserable   Mezrimbi   on 


Q.6o  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

their  shoulders  and  carried  him  to  the  house  of  the  chief 
Brahmin,  who  having  ordered  him  to  be  guarded  in  an  out- 
house, said  his  prayers  and  went  to  bed. 

The  sun  rose  and  poured  his  beaming  rays  upon  the 
land  of  Souffraria,  and  thousands  and  thousands  of  the 
inhabitants  had  risen  before  him,  to  prepare  for  the  day 
of  delight,  the  day  on  which  they  were  to  be  blessed  with 
a  king — the  day  on  which  the  beauteous  Princess  Babe-bi- 
bobu,  the  cream-tart  of  delight,  was  no  longer  to  remain 
unmarried.  Silks  and  satins  from  China,  shawls  and 
scarfs  from  Cashmere,  jewels,  and  gold,  and  diamonds- 
horses,  and  camels,  and  elephants,  were  to  be  seen  spread 
over  the  plains,  and  the  city  of  SouiFra.  All  was  joy, 
and  jubilee,  and  feasting,  and  talking,  for  the  beautiful 
Princess  Babe-bi-bobu  was  that  day  to  be  married. 

"I  wish  to  heaven  she  was,"  observed  the  pacha, 
impatiently. 

"  May  it  please  your  sublime  highness,  she  soon  will 
be." 

At  an  early  hour  the  proclamation  was  made  that  the 
princess  was  about  to  take  unto  herself  a  husband  from 
the  high  caste  youths  of  Souffra,  and  that  all  whom  it 
might  concern  should  repair  to  the  palace,  to  be  present 
at  the  ceremony.  As  it  concerned  all  Souffra — all  Souffra 
was  there.  The  sun  had  nearly  reached  to  the  zenith, 
and  looked  down  almost  enviously  upon  the  gay  scene 
beneath,  broiling  the  brains  of  the  good  people  of  Souffra, 
-whose  heads  paved,  as  it  were,  the  country  for  ten  square 
miles,  when  the  beauteous  Princess  Babe-bi-bobu  made 
her  appearance  in  the  hall  of  audience,  attended  by  her 
maidens  and  the  grandees  of  Souffra,  who  were  the 
executors  to  her  father's  will.  At  the  head  of  them 
was  the  chief  Brahmin,  who  looked  anxiously  among  the 
crowd  for  his  son  Mezrimbi,  who  had  not  made  his 
appearance  that  morning.  At  last  he  espied  his  rich 
dress,  his  mantle,  his    turban   and  jewelled  scimitar,  but 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  261 

his  face  was  mufHed  up  in  a  shawl,  and  the  chief  Brahmin 
smiled  at  the  witty  conceit  of  his  son,  that  of  having  his 
own  beauteous  person  muffled  as  well  as  that  of  the 
now  scarred  Acota.  And  then  silence  was  commanded 
by  a  thousand  brazen  trumpets,  and  enforced  by  the 
discharge  of  two  thousand  pieces  of  artillery,  ten  square 
miles  of  people  repeated  the  order  for  silence,  in  lond 
and  reiterated  shouts — and  at  last  silence  obeyed  the 
order,  and  there  was  silence.  The  chief  Brahmin  rose, 
and  having  delivered  an  extemporaneous  prayer,  suitable 
to  the  solemnity  and  importance  of  the  occasion,  he  pro- 
ceeded to  read  the  will  of  the  late  king — he  then 
descanted  upon  the  Molean  controversy,  and  how  it  was 
now  an  article  of  the  SoufFrarian  faith,  which  it  was 
heresy  and  impalement  not  to  believe,  that  "  moles  were 
not  scars,  and  only  blemishes  when  they  were  considered 
so  to  be."  The  choice  of  the  princess,  continued  the 
learned  Brahmin,  has  however  not  been  made ;  she  has 
left  to  chance  that  which  was  to  have  proceeded  from 
her  own  free  will,  and  that  without  consulting  with  the 
ministers  of  our  holy  religion.  My  heart  told  me  yester- 
day that  such  was  not  right,  and  contrary  not  only  to  the 
king's  will,  but  the  will  of  Heaven  ;  and  I  communed 
deeply  on  the  subject  after  I  had  prayed  nine  times — 
and  a  dream  descended  on  me  in  my  sleep,  and  I  was 
told  that  the  conditions  of  the  will  would  be  fulfilled. 
How  to  explain  this  answer  from  above  I  know  not  : 
perhaps  the  youth  who  was  fortunate  in  discovering 
the  flower,  is  also  the  youth  of  the  princess's  choice. 

"  Even  so,"  replied  the  princess,  in  a  soft,  melodious 
voice,  "  and  therefore  is  my  father's  will  obeyed." 

**  Where,  then,  is  the  fortunate  youth?"  said  the 
chief  Brahmin  ;  **let  him  appear." 

Babe-bi-bobu,  who,  as  well  as  others,  had  in  vain 
looked  round  for  Acota,  was  astonished  at  his  not  making 
his  appearance,  and  still  more  so  when  he  did,  as  they 
thought,  appear,  led  in  by  the  four  black  mutes,  with  his 
face  enveloped  in  a  shawl. 


262  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

**This,  then,"  said  the  chief  Brahmin,  "  is  the  favoured 
youth,  Acota.  Remove  the  shawl,  and  lead  him  to  the 
princess." 

The  mutes  obeyed,  and  to  the  horror  of  Babe-bi-bobu, 
there  stood  Acota,  as  she  thought,  with  a  face  so  scarred 
and  burnt,  that  his  features  were  not  distinguishable. 
She  started  from  her  throne,  uttered  one  wild  shriek, 
which  was  said  to  have  been  heard  by  the  whole  ten 
square  miles  of  population,  and  fainted  in  the  arms  of 
her  attendants. 

"  We  know  his  dress,  most  noble  grandees,"  continued 
the  chief  Brahmin,  "  but  how  can  we  recognise  in  that 
object,  the  youth  without  scar  or  blemish  ?  It  is  the 
will  of  Heaven,"  continued  the  chief  Brahmin,  piously 
and  reverently  bending  low.  And  all  the  other  grandees 
replied  in  the  same  pious  manner,  "  It  is  the  will  of 
Heaven."  "  I  say,"  continued  the  chief  Brahmin,  *'  that 
this  must  have  been  occasioned  by  the  princess  not 
having  chosen  as  ordained  by  the  will  of  her  father,  but 
having  impiously  left  to  chance  what  was  to  have  been 
decided  by  free  will.  Is  not  the  hand,  the  finger  of 
Providence  made  manifest  ? "  continued  he,  appealing 
to  the  grandees.  And  they  all  bowed  low,  and  declared 
that  the  hand  and  finger  of  Providence  were  manifest ; 
while  the  mutes,  who  knew  that  it  was  their  hands  and 
fingers  which  had  done  the  deed,  chuckled  as  well  as  they 
could  with  the  remnants  of  their  tongues.  "  And  now," 
continued  the  chief  Brahmin,  "  we  must  obey  the  will  of 
the  late  king,  which  expressly  states,  that  if  any  accident 
should  happen  after  the  choice  of  the  princess  had  been 
made,  that  I,  the  chief  of  our  holy  religion,  should  select 
her  husband.  By  virtue,  then,  of  my  power,  I  call  thee 
forth,  my  son,  Mezrimbi,  to  take  his  place.  Bow  down 
to  Mezrimbi,  the  future  king  of  SoufFraria." 

Acota,  muffled  up  to  the  eyes,  and  dressed  in  the  gar- 
ments of  Mezrimbi,  stepped  forth,  and  the  chief  Brahmin, 
and  all  present,  in  pursuance  to  his  order,  prostrated 
themselves  before  Acota,  with  their  foreheads  in  the  dust. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  26 


o 


Acota  took  that  opportunity  of  removing  the  shawl,  and, 
when  they  rose  up,  stood  by  the  throne,  resplendent  in 
his  beauty  and  his  pride.  At  the  sight  of  him,  the  chief 
Brahmin  raised  a  cry,  which  was  heard,  not  only  further 
than  the  shriek  of  the  beautiful  Princess  Babe-bi-bobu,  but 
had  the  eifect  of  recalling  her  to  life  and  recollection. 
Ail  joined  in  the  cry  of  astonishment  when  they  beheld 
Acota  in  the  garments  of  Mezrimbi. 

"Who,  then,  art  thou  ?  "  exclaimed  the  chief  Brahmin, 
to  his  son,  in  Acota's  dress. 

"  I  am,"  exclaimed  his  son,  exhausted  with  pain  and 
mortification,  "  I  am — I  was  Mezrimbi." 

"  Grandees,"  cried  Acota,  "  as  the  chief  Brahmin  has 
already  asserted,  and  as  you  have  agreed,  in  that  you 
behold  the  finger  of  Heaven,  which  ever  punishes 
hypocrisy,  cruelty,  and  injustice  ;"  and  the  chief  Brahmin 
fell  down  in  a  fit,  and  was  carried  out,  with  his  un- 
fortunate son  Mezrimbi. 

In  the  meantime  the  beauteous  Princess  Babe-bi-bobu 
had  recovered,  and  was  in  the  arms  of  Acota,  who,  re- 
signing her  to  her  attendant  maidens,  addressed  the 
assembly  in  a  speech  of  so  much  eloquence,  so  much 
beauty,  and  so  much  force,  that  it  was  written  down  in 
letters  of  gold,  being  considered  the  ne  plus  ultra  of  the 
SoulFrarian  language  ;  he  explained  to  them  the  nefarious 
attempt  of  Mezrimbi  to  counteract  the  will  of  Heaven, 
and  how  he  had  fallen  into  the  snare  which  he  had  laid  for 
others.  And  when  he  had  finished,  the  whole  assembly 
hailed  him  as  their  king  ;  and  the  population,  whose  heads 
paved,  as  it  were,  a  space  of  ten  square  miles,  cried  out, 
**  Long  life  to  the  king  Acota,  and  his  beautiful  princess 
Babe-bi-bobu,  the  cream-tart  of  delight !  " 

Who  can  attempt  to  describe  the  magnificent  procession 
which  took  place  that  evening,  who  can  describe  the  proud 
and  splendid  bearing  of  king  Acota,  or  the  beaming  eyes 
of  the  beautiful  Princess  Babe-bi-bobu.  Shall  I  narrate 
how  the  nightingales  sang  themselves  to  death — shall 
I 


264  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

**No,  pray  don't,"  interrupted  the  pacha,  "  only  let  us 
know  one  thing — was  the  beautiful  Babe-bi-bobu  married 
at  last  ?  " 

"  She  was,  that  very  evening,  your  sublime  highness." 
"  Allah  be  praised  !  "  rejoined  the  pacha.  "  Mustapha, 
let  Menouni  know  what  it  is  to  tell  a  story  to  a  pacha, 
even  though  it  is  rather  a  long  one,  and  I  thought  the 
princess  would  never  have  been  married."  And  the  pacha 
rose  and  waddled  to  his  harem. 


Chapter    XV 

On  the  ensuing  day,  the  pacha  was  sitting  at  his  divan, 
according  to  his  custom,  Mustapha  by  his  side,  lending 
his  ear  to  the  whispers  of  divers  people  who  came  to  him 
in  an  attitude  of  profound  respect.  Still  they  were  most 
graciously  received,  as  the  purport  of  their  intrusion  was 
to  induce  the  vizier  to  interest  himself  in  their  behalves 
when  their  cause  came  forward  to  be  heard  and  decided 
upon  by  the  pacha,  who  in  all  cases  was  guided  by  the 
whispered  opinion  of  Mustapha.  Mustapha  was  a  good- 
hearted  man :  he  was  always  grateful,  and  if  any  one  did 
him  a  good  turn,  he  never  forgot  it.  The  consequence 
was,  that  an  intimation  that  a  purse  of  so  many  sequins 
would  be  laid  at  his  feet  if  the  cause  to  be  heard  was 
decided  in  favour  of  the  applicant,  invariably  interested 
Mustapha  in  the  favour  of  that  party  ;  and  Mustapha's 
opinion  was  always  coincided  in  by  the  pacha,  because  he 
had  (or  supposed  that  he  had)  half  of  the  sequins  so 
obtained.  True,  the  proverb  says,  "  you  should  be  just 
before  you  are  generous ; "  but  Mustapha's  arguments 
when  he  first  proposed  to  the  pacha  this  method  of  filling 
the  royal  treasury,  were  so  excellent,  that  we  shall  hand 
them  down  to  posterity.  "  In  the  first  place,"  said 
Mustapha,  "  it  is  evident  that  in  all  these  causes  the 
plaintiffs  and  defendants  are  both  rascals.     In  the  second 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  26^ 

place,  it  is  impossible  to  believe  a  word  on  either  side. 
In  the  third  place,  exercising  the  best  of  your  judgment, 
you  are  just  as  likely  to  go  wrong  as  right.  In  the  fourth 
place,  if  a  man  happens  to  be  wronged  by  our  decision,  he 
deserves  it  as  a  punishment  for  his  other  misdeeds.  In 
the  fifth  place,  as  the  only  respectability  existing  in  either 
party  consists  in  their  worldly  wealth,  by  deciding  for  him 
who  gives  most,  you  decide  for  the  most  respectable  man. 
In  the  sixth  place,  it  is  our  duty  to  be  grateful  for  good 
done  to  us,  and  in  so  deciding,  we  exercise  a  virtue 
strongly  inculcated  by  the  Koran.  In  the  seventh  place, 
we  benefit  both  parties  by  deciding  quickly,  as  a  loss  is 
better  than  a  lawsuit.  And  in  the  eighth  and  last  place, 
we  want  money." 

On  this  day  a  cause  was  being  heard,  and,  although 
weighty  reasons  had  already  decided  the  verdict,  still,  pro 
forma,  the  witnesses  on  both  sides  were  examined  ;  one  of 
these,  upon  being  asked  whether  he  witnessed  the  pro- 
ceedings, replied,  "  That  he  had  no  doubt,  but  there  was 
doubt  on  the  subject ;  but  that  he  doubted  whether  the 
doubts  were  correct." 

"  Doubt — no  doubt — what  is  all  this  ?  do  you  laugh  at 
our  beards  ? "  said  Mustapha  sternly,  who  always  made  a 
show  of  justice.     "  Is  it  the  fact  or  not  ? " 

"  Your  highness,  I  seldom  met  a  fact,  as  it  is  called, 
without  having  half  a  dozen  doubts  hanging  to  it,"  replied 
the  man  :  "I  will  not,  therefore,  make  any  assertion 
without  the  reservation  of  a  doubt." 

"  Answer  me  plainly,"  replied  the  vizier,  "  or  the 
ferashes  and  bamboo  will  be  busy  with  you  very  shortly. 
Did  you  see  the  money  paid  "i  " 

"I  believe  as  much  as  I  can  believe  any  thing  in  this 
world,  that  I  did  see  money  paid ;  but  I  doubt  the  sum, 
and  I  doubt  the  metal,  and  I  have  also  my  other  doubts. 
May  it  please  your  highness,  I  am  an  unfortunate  man, 
I  have  been  under  the  influence  of  doubts  from  my  birth ; 
and  it  has  become  a  disease  which  I  have  no  doubt  will 
only  end  with  my  existence.  I  always  doubt  a  fact, 
unless " 


266  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"What  does  the  ass  say?  What  is  all  this  but  Bosh? 
— nothing.     Let  him  have  a  fact." 

The  pacha  gave  the  sign — the  ferashes  appeared — the 
man  was  thrown,  and  received  fifty  blows  of  the  bastinado. 
The  pacha  then  commanded  them  to  desist.  "  Now,  by 
our  beard,  is  it  not  a  fact  that  you  have  received  the 
bastinado  ?     If  you  still  doubt  the  fact,  we  will  proceed." 

"  The  fact  is  beyond  a  doubt,"  replied  the  man,  pro- 
strating himself.  "But  excuse  me,  your  sublime  highness, 
if  I  do  continue  to  assert  that  I  cannot  always  acknowledge 
a  fact,  without  such  undeniable  proofs  as  your  wisdom  has 
been  pleased  to  bring  forward.  If  your  highness  were  to 
hear  the  history  of  my  life,  you  would  then  allow  that  I 
have  cause  to  doubt." 

"  History  of  his  life  !  Mustapha,  we  shall  have  a  story." 

"  Another  fifty  blows  on  his  feet  would  remove  all  his 
doubts,  your  highness,"  replied  Mustapha. 

"  Yes ;  but  then  he  will  be  beaten  out  of  his  story. 
No,  no ;  let  him  be  taken  away  till  the  evening,  and  then 
we  shall  see  how  he  will  make  out  his  case." 

Mustapha  gave  directions,  in  obedience  to  the  wish  of 
the  pacha.  In  the  evening,  as  soon  as  they  had  lighted 
their  pipes,  the  man  was  ordered  in,  and  in  consideration 
of  his  swelled  feet,  was  permitted  to  sit  down,  that  he 
might  be  more  at  ease  when  he  narrated  his  story,  which 
was  as  follows. 


THE    STORY    OF    HUDUSI. 

Most  sublime  pacha,  allow  me  first  to  observe,  that, 
although  I  have  latterly  adhered  to  my  own  opinions,  I  am 
not  so  intolerant  as  not  to  permit  the  same  licence  to  others : 
I  do  not  mean  to  say  that  there  are  not  such  things  as  facts 
in  this  world,  nor  to  find  fault  with  those  who  believe  in 
them.  I  am  told  that  there  are  also  such  things  as  flying 
dragons,  griffins,  and  other  wondrous  animals,  but  surely 
it  is  quite  sufficient  for  me,  or  any  one  else,  to  believe 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  267 

that  these  animals  exist,  when  it  may  have  been  our 
fortune  to  see  them  ;  in  the  same  manner,  I  am  wiUing  to 
believe  in  a  fact,  when  it  is  cleared  from  the  mists  of 
doubt;  but  up  to  the  present,  I  can  safely  say,  that  I 
seldom  have  fallen  in  with  a  fact,  unaccompanied  by  doubts, 
and  every  year  adds  to  my  belief,  that  there  are  few 
genuine  facts  in  existence.  So  interwoven  in  my  frame  is 
doubt,  that  I  sometimes  am  unwilling  to  admit,  as  a  fact, 
that  I  exist.  I  believe  it  to  be  the  case,  but  I  feel  that  I 
have  no  right  to  assert  it,  until  I  know  what  death  is,  and 
may  from  thence  draw  an  inference,  which  may  lead  me 
to  a  just  conclusion. 

My  name  is  Hudusi.  Of  my  parents  I  can  say  little. 
My  father  asserted  that  he  was  the  bravest  janissary  in  the 
sultan's  employ,  and  had  greatly  distinguished  himself. 
He  was  always  talking  of  Rustam,  as  being  a  fool  com- 
pared to  him ;  of  the  number  of  battles  he  had  fought,  and 
of  the  wounds  which  he  had  received  in  leading  his  corps 
on  all  desperate  occasions ;  but  as  my  father  often  bathed 
before  me,  and  the  only  wound  I  could  ever  perceive  was 
one  in  his  rear,  when  he  spoke  of  his  bravery,  I  very  much 
doubted  the  fact. 

My  mother  fondled  and  made  much  of  me,  declared 
that  I  was  the  image  of  my  father,  a  sweet  pledge  of  their 
affections,  a  blessing  sent  by  Heaven  upon  their  marriage ; 
but,  as  my  father's  nose  was  aquiline,  and  mine  is  a  snub, 
or  aquiline  reversed;  his  mouth  large,  and  mine  small; 
his  eyes  red  and  ferrety,  and  mine  projecting ;  and,  more- 
over, as  she  was  a  very  handsome  woman,  and  used  to  pay 
frequent  visits  to  the  cave  of  a  sainted  man  in  high  repute, 
of  whom  I  was  the  image,  when  she  talked  of  the 
janissary's  paternity,  I  very  much  doubted  the  fact. 

An  old  mollah  taught  me  to  read  and  write  and  repeat 
the  verses  of  the  Koran — and  I  was  as  much  advanced  as 
any  boy  under  his  charge — but  he  disliked  me  very  much 
for  reasons  which  I  never  could  understand,  and  was 
eternally  giving  me  the  slipper.  He  declared  that  I  was 
a  reprobate,  an  unbeliever,  a  son  of  Jehanum,  who  would 


2  68  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

be  impaled  before  I  was  much  older ;  but  here  I  am,  with- 
out a  stake  through  my  body  at  the  age  of  forty-five ;  and 
your  highness  must  acknowledge  that  when  he  railed  ail 
this  in  my  ears,  I  was  justified  in  very  much  doubting  the 
fact. 

When  I  was  grown  up,  my  father  wanted  me  to  enrol 
myself  in  the  corps  of  janissaries,  and  become  a  lion-killer 
like  himself;  I  remonstrated,  but  in  vain;  he  applied,  and 
I  was  accepted,  and  received  the  mark  on  my  arm,  which 
constituted  me  a  janissary.  I  put  on  the  dress,  swaggered 
and  bullied  with  many  other  young  men  of  my  acquaint- 
ance, who  were  all  ready,  as  they  swore,  to  eat  their 
enemies  alive,  and  who  curled  their  mustachios  to  prove 
the  truth  of  what  they  said.  We  were  despatched  to 
quell  a  rebellious  pacha — we  bore  down  upon  his  troops 
with  a  shout,  enough  to  frighten  the  devil,  but  the  devil 
a  bit  were  they  frightened,  they  stood  their  ground ;  and 
as  they  would  not  run,  we  did,  leaving  those  who  were 
not  so  wise,  to  be  cut  to  pieces.  After  this,  when  any  of 
my  companions  talked  of  their  bravery,  or  my  father 
declared  that  he  should  be  soon  promoted  to  the  rank  of  a 
Spahi,  and  that  I  was  a  lion's  whelp,  I  very  much  doubted  the 
fact. 

The  pacha  held  out  much  longer  than  was  at  first 
anticipated  ;  indeed,  so  long  as  to  cause  no  little  degree  of 
anxiety  in  the  capital.  More  troops  were  despatched  to 
subdue  him;  and  success  not  attending  our  efforts,  the 
vizier,  according  to  the  custom,  was  under  the  disagree- 
able necessity  of  parting  with  his  head,  which  was  de- 
manded because  we  turned  tail.  Indeed,  it  was  to  oblige 
us,  that  the  sultan  consented  to  deprive  himself  of  the 
services  of  a  very  able  man ;  for  we  surrounded  the 
palace,  and  insisted  that  it  was  all  his  fault,  but,  consider- 
ing our  behaviour  in  the  field  of  battle,  your  highness 
must  admit  that  there  was  reason  to  doubt  the  fact. 

We  were  again  despatched  against  this  rebellious  pacha, 
who  sat  upon  the  parapets  of  his  stronghold,  paying 
down   thirty   sequins   for    the    head    of    every  janissary 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  269 

brought  to  him  by  his  own  troops,  and  I  am  afraid  a  great 
deal  of  money  was  spent  in  that  way.  We  fell  into  an 
ambuscade,  and  one  half  of  the  corps  to  which  my  father 
belonged  were  cut  to  pieces,  before  we  could  receive  any 
assistance.  At  last  the  enemy  retired.  I  looked  for  my 
father,  and  found  him  expiring  ;  as  before,  he  had  received 
a  wound  on  the  wrong  side,  a  spear  having  transfixed  him 
between  the  shoulders.  "Tell  how  I  died  like  a  brave 
man,"  said  he,  "and  tell  your  mother  that  I  am  gone  to 
Paradise."  From  an  intimate  knowledge  of  my  honoured 
father's  character,  in  the  qualities  of  thief,  liar,  and  coward, 
although  I  promised  to  deliver  the  message,  /  very  much 
doubted  these  facts. 

That  your  highness  may  understand  how  it  was  that  I 
happened  to  be  left  alone,  and  alive  on  the  field  of  battle, 
I  must  inform  you,  that  I  inherited  a  considerable  portion 
of  my  father's  courageous  temper,  and  not  much  liking  the 
snapping  of  the  pistols  in  my  face,  I  had  thrown  myself 
down  on  the  ground,  and  had  remained  there  very  quietly, 
preferring  to  be  trampled  on,  rather  than  interfere  with 
what  was  going  on  above. 

"  By  the  sword  of  the  prophet !  there  is  one  fact — you 
were  a  very  great  coward,"  observed  the  pacha. 

"  Among  my  other  doubts,  your  highness,  I  certainly 
have  some  doubts  as  to  my  bravery." 

**  By  the  beard  of  the  pacha,  I  have  no  doubts  on  the 
subject,"  observed  Mustapha. 

"Without  attempting  to  defend  my  courage,  may  I 
observe  to  your  highness,  that  it  was  a  matter  of  perfect 
indifference  to  me  whether  the  sultan  or  the  pacha  was 
victorious  ;  and  I  did  not  much  admire  hard  blows,  without 
having  an  opportunity  of  putting  a  few  sequins  in  my 
pocket.  I  never  knew  of  any  man,  however  brave  he 
might  be,  who  fought  for  love  of  fighting,  or  amusement ; 
we  all  are  trying  in  this  world  to  get  money ;  and  that  is, 
I  believe,  the  secret  spring  of  all  our  actions." 

"  Is  that  true,  Mustapha  ?  "  inquired  the  pacha. 


270  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

*^  May  it  please  your  sublime  highness,  if  not  the  truth, 
it  is  not  very  far  from  it.     Proceed,  Hudusi." 

The  ideas  which  I  have  ventured  to  express  before  your 
sublime  highness,  were  running  in  my  mind,  as  I  sat  down 
among  the  dead  and  dying,  and  I  thought  how  much 
better  off  were  the  pacha's  soldiers  than  those  of  our 
sublime  sultan,  who  had  nothing  but  hard  blows,  while  the 
pacha's  soldiers  received  thirty  sequins  for  the  head  of 
everyone  of  our  corps  of  janissaries  ;  and  one  idea  breeding 
another,  I  reflected  that  it  would  be  very  prudent,  now 
that  the  pacha  appeared  to  be  gaining  the  advantage,  to  be 
on  the  right  side.  Having  made  up  my  mind  upon  this 
point,  it  then  occurred  to  me,  that  I  might  as  well  get  a 
few  sequins  by  the  exchange,  and  make  my  appearance 
before  the  pacha,  with  one  or  two  of  the  heads  of  the 
janissaries,  who  were  lying  close  to  me.  I  therefore 
divested  myself  of  whatever  might  give  the  idea  of  my 
belonging  to  the  corps,  took  off  the  heads  and  rifled  the 
pockets  of  three  janissaries,  and  was  about  to  depart,  when 
I  thought  of  my  honoured  father,  and  turned  back  to  take 
a  last  farewell.  It  was  cruel  to  part  with  a  parent,  and  I 
could  not  make  up  my  mind  to  part  with  him  altogether, 
so  I  added  his  head,  and  the  contents  of  his  sash,  to  those 
of  the  other  three,  and  smearing  my  face  and  person  with 
blood,  with  my  scimitar  in  my  hand  and  the  four  heads  tied 
up  in  a  bundle,  made  my  way  for  the  pacha's  stronghold ; 
but  the  skirmishing  was  still  going  on  outside  of  the  walls,^ 
and  I  narrowly  escaped  a  corps  of  janissaries,  who  would 
have  recognised  me.  As  it  was,  two  of  them  followed  me 
as  I  made  for  the  gate  of  the  fortress  ;  and,  encumbered  as 
I  was,  I  was  forced  to  turn  at  bay.  No  man  fights 
better  than,  and  even  a  man  who  otherwise  would  not 
fight  at  all,  will  fight  well,  when  he  can't  help  it.  I  never 
was  so  brave  in  my  life.  I  cut  down  one,  and  the  other 
ran  away,  and  this  in  the  presence  of  the  pacha,  who  was 
seated  on  the  embrasure  at  the  top  of  the  wall ;  and  thus  1 
gained  my  entrance  into  the  fort.     I  hastened  to  the  pacha's 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  271 

presence,  and  laid  at  his  feet  the  four  heads.  The  pacha 
was  so  pleased  at  my  extraordinary  valour,  that  he  threw 
me  a  purse  of  five  hundred  pieces  of  gold,  and  ordered  me 
to  be  promoted,  asking  me  to  what  division  of  his  troops  I 
belonged.  I  replied,  that  I  was  a  volunteer.  I  was  made 
an  officer,  and  thus  did  I  find  myself  a  rich  man  and  a  man 
of  consequence  by  merely  changing  sides. 

**  That's  not  quite  so  uncommon  a  method  of  getting  on  in 
the  world  as  you  may  imagine,"  observed  Mustapha,  drily. 

"  Mustapha,"  said  the  pacha,  almost  gasping,  "  all  these 
are  words,  wind — bosh.  By  the  fountains  that  play  round 
the  throne  of  Mahomet,  but  my  throat  feels  as  hot  and  as 
dry  with  this  fellow's  doubts,  as  if  it  were  paved  with  live 
cinders.  I  doubt  whether  we  shall  be  able  ev^r  to  moisten 
it  again." 

**  That  doubt,  your  sublimity  ought  to  resolve  im- 
mediately. Hudusi,  murakhas — my  friend,  you  are  dis- 
missed." 

Hardly  had  the  doubter  gathered  up  his  slippers,  and 
backed  out  from  the  presence,  when  the  pacha  and  his 
minister  were,  with  an  honest  rivalry,  endeavouring  to 
remove  at  once  their  doubts  and  their  thirst,  and  were  so 
successful  in  their  attempts,  that  they,  in  a  short  time, 
exchanged  their  state  of  dubiety  into  a  very  happy  one  of 
ebriety. 


Chapter  XVI 

The  next  morning  the  pacha  and  his  minister,  after  the 
business  of  the  divan,  with  their  heads  aching  from  the 
doubts  of  Hudusi,  or  the  means  that  they  had  taken  to 
refute  them,  in  not  the  best  humour  in  the  world  listened 
to  the  continuation  of  them  as  follows  : — 

I  have  heard  it  observed,  continued  Hudusi,  that  the 
sudden  possession  of  gold  will  make  a  brave  man  cautious, 


2']2  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

and  he  who  is  not  brave,  still  more  dastardly  than  he 
was  before.  It  certainly  was  the  case  with  me ;  my  five 
hundred  pieces  of  gold  had  such  an  effect,  that  everything 
in  the  shape  of  valour  oozed  out  at  my  fingers'  ends.  I 
reflected  again,  and  the  result  was  that  I  determined  to 
have  nothing  more  to  do  with  the  business,  and  that 
neither  the  sultan  nor  the  pacha  should  be  the  better 
for  my  exertions.  That  night  we  made  a  sally ;  and 
as  I  was  considered  a  prodigy  of  valour,  I  v/as  one  of 
those  who  were  ordered  to  lead  on  my  troop.  I  curled 
my  moustachios,  swore  I  would  not  leave  a  janissary 
alive,  flourished  my  scimitar,  marched  out  at  the  head 
of  my  troop,  and  then  took  to  my  heels,  and  in  two 
days  arrived  safely  at  my  mother's  house.  As  soon  as 
I  entered,  I  tore  my  turban,  and  threw  dust  upon  my 
head,  in  honour  of  my  father's  memory,  and  then  sat 
down.     My  mother  embraced  me — we  were  alone. 

"  And  your  father  ?    Is  it  for  him  that  we  are  to  mourn  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  replied  I,  "he  was  a  lion,  and  he  is  in  Paradise." 

My  mother  commenced  a  bitter  lamentation ;  but  of  a 

sudden  recollecting  herself,  she  said,  "But,  Hudusi,  it's 

no  use  tearing  one's  hair  and  good  clothes  for  nothing. 

Are  you  sure  that  your  father  is  dead  ? " 

"  Quite  sure,"  replied  I.     "I  saw  him  dowii." 
"  But  he  may  only  be  wounded,"  replied  my  mother. 
"Not   so,  my   dearest  mother,   abandon  all  hope,   for 
I  saw  his  head  off." 

"  Are  you  sure  it  was  his  body  that  you  saw  with  the 
head  off? " 

"  Quite  sure,  dear  mother,  for  I  was  a  witness  to  its 
being  cut  off." 

"If  that  is  the  case,"  replied  my  mother,  "he  can 
never  come  back  again,  that's  clear.  Allah  acbar — God 
is  great.  Then  must  we  mourn."  And  my  mother  ran 
out  into  the  street  before  the  door,  shrieking  and  screaming, 
tearing  her  hair  and  her  garments,  so  as  to  draw  the 
attention  and  sympathy  of  all  her  neighbours,  who  asked 
her  what  was  the  matter.     "  Ah  !  wahi,  the  head  of  my 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  273 

house  is  no  more,"  cried  slie,  "  my  heart  is  all  bitterness— 
my  soul  is  dried  up — my  liver  is  but  as  water  ;  ah  !  wahi, 
ah !  wahi,"  and  she  continued  to  weep  and  tear  her  hair, 
refusing  all  consolation.  The  neighbours  came  to  her 
assistance  ;  they  talked  to  her,  they  reasoned  with  her, 
restrained  her  violence,  and  soothed  her  into  quietness. 
They  all  declared  that  it  was  a  heavy  loss,  but  that  a  true 
believer  had  gone  to  Paradise ;  and  they  all  agreed  that 
no  woman's  conduct  could  be  more  exemplary,  that  no 
woman  was  ever  more  fond  of  her  husband.  I  said 
nothing,  but  I  must  acknowledge  that,  from  her  previous 
conversation  with  me,  and  the  quantity  of  pilau  which 
she  devoured  that  evening  for  her  supper,  I  very  much 
doubted  the  fact. 

I  did  not  remain  long  at  home,  as,  although  it  was  my 
duty  to  acquaint  my  mother  with  my  father's  death,  it 
was  also  my  duty  to  appear  to  return  to  my  corps.  This 
I  had  resolved  never  more  to  do.  I  reflected  that  a  life 
of  quiet  and  ease  was  best  suited  to  my  disposition,  and 
I  resolved  to  join  some  religious  sect.  Before  I  quitted 
my  mother's  roof  I  gave  her  thirty  sequins,  which  she 
was  most  thankful  for,  as  she  was  in  straitened  circum- 
stances. "  Ah ! "  cried  she,  as  she  wrapt  up  the  money 
carefully  in  a  piece  of  rag,  "if  you  could  only  have 
brought  back  your  poor  father's  head,  Hudusi !  " — I  might 
have  told  her  that  she  had  just  received  what  I  had  sold 
it  for — but  I  thought  it  just  as  well  to  say  nothing  about 
it ;  so  I  embraced  her,  and  departed. 

There  was  a  sort  of  dervishes,  who  had  taken  up  their 
quarters  about  seven  miles  from  the  village  where  my 
mother  resided,  and  as  they  never  remained  long  in  one 
place,  I  hastened  to  join  them.  On  my  arrival,  I  requested 
to  speak  with  their  chief,  and  imagining  that  I  was  come 
with  the  request  of  prayers  to  be  offered  up  on  behalf 
of  some  wished-for  object,  I  was  admitted. 

"Khoda  shefa   midehed — God   gives   relief,"  said  the 
old  man.     **  What  wishest  thou,  my  son  ?     Khosh  ame- 
deed — you  are  welcome." 
p  s 


2  74  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

I  stated  my  wish  to  enter  into  the  sect,  from  a  religious 
feeling ;  and  requested  that  I  might  be  permitted. 

"  Thou  knowest  not  what  thou  askest,  my  son.  Ours 
is  a  hard  life,  one  of  penitence,  prostration,  and  prayer — 
our  food  is  but  of  herbs  and  the  water  of  the  spring  ; 
our  rest  is  broken,  and  we  know  not  where  to  lay  our 
heads.     Depart,  yaha  bibi,  my  friend,  depart  in  peace." 

"But,  father,"  replied  I  (for  to  tell  your  highness  the 
truth,  notwithstanding  the  old  man's  assertions,  as  to 
their  austerities  of  Ufe,  I  very  much  doubted  the  fact), 
*'I  am  prepared  for  all  this,  if  necessary,  and  even  more. 
I  have  brought  my  little  wealth  to  add  to  the  store,  and 
contribute  to  the  welfare  of  your  holy  band ;  and  I  must 
not  be  denied."  I  perceived  that  the  old  man's  eyes 
twinkled  at  the  bare  mention  of  gold,  and  I  drew  from 
my  sash  five-and-twenty  sequins,  which  I  had  separated 
from  my  hoard,  with  the  intention  of  offering  it.  *'  See, 
holy  father,"  continued  I,  "  the  offering  which  I  would 
make." 

"  Barik  Allah — praise  be  to  God,"  exclaimed  the  dervish, 
"  that  he  has  sent  us  a  true  believer.  Thy  offering  is 
accepted,  but  thou  must  not  expect  yet  to  enter  into  the 
austerities  of  our  holy  order.  I  have  many  disciples  here, 
v/ho  wear  the  dress,  and  yet  they  are  not  as  regular  as 
good  dervishes  should  be ;  but  there  is  a  time  for  all 
things,  and  when  their  appetite  to  do  wrong  fails  them, 
they  will  (Inshallah,  please  God),  in  all  probability,  be- 
come more  holy  and  devout  men.  You  are  accepted." 
And  the  old  man  held  out  his  hand  for  the  money,  which 
he  clutched  with  eagerness,  and  hid  away  under  his 
garment.  "  Ali,"  said  he  to  one  of  the  dervishes  who 
had  stood  at  some  distance  during  my  audience,  "  this 
young  man — what  is  your  name — Hudusi — is  admitted 
into  our  fraternity.  Take  him  v/ith  thee,  give  him  a 
dress  of  the  order,  and  let  him  be  initiated  into  our 
mysteries,  first  demanding  from  him  the  oath  of  secrecy. 
Murakhas,  good  Hudusi,  you  are  dismissed." 

I  followed  the  dervish  through  a  narrow  passage,  until 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  275 

we  arrived  at  a  door,  at  which  he  knocked ;  it  was  opened^ 
and  I  passed  through  a  courtyard,  where  I  perceived 
several  of  the  dervishes  stretched  on  the  ground  in  various 
postures,  breathing  heavily  and  insensible. 

**  These,"  said  my  conductor,  "  are  holy  men  who  are 
favoured  by  Allah.  They  are  in  a  trance,  and  during 
that  state  are  visited  by  the  Prophet,  and  are  permitted 
to  enter  the  eighth  heaven,  and  see  the  glories  prepared 
for  true  believers."  I  made  no  reply  to  his  assertion, 
but  as  it  was  evident  that  they  were  all  in  a  state  of 
beastly  intoxication,  I  very  much  doubted  the  fact, 

I  received  my  dress,  took  an  oath  of  secrecy,  and  was 
introduced  to  my  companions,  whom  I  soon  found  to  be 
a  set  of  dissolute  fellows,  indulging  in  every  vice,  and 
laughing  at  every  virtue ;  living  in  idleness,  and  by  the 
contributions  made  to  them  by  the  people,  who  firmly 
believed  in  their  pretended  sanctity.  The  old  man,  with 
the  white  beard,  who  was  their  chief,  was  the  only  one 
who  did  not  indulge  in  debauchery.  He  had  outlived 
his  appetite  for  the  vices  of  youth,  and  fallen  into  the 
vice  of  age — a  love  for  money,  which  was  insatiable. 
I  must  acknowledge  that  the  company  and  mode  of  living 
were  more  to  my  satisfaction  than  the  vigils,  hard  fare, 
and  constant  prayer,  with  which  the  old  man  had  threatened 
me,  when  I  proposed  to  enter  the  community,  and  I  soon 
became  an  adept  in  dissimulation  and  hypocrisy,  and  a 
great  favourite  with  my  brethren. 

I  ought  to  have  observed  to  your  sublimity,  that  the 
sect  of  dervishes  of  which  I  had  become  a  member,  were 
then  designated  by  the  name  of  howling  dervishes ;  all  our 
religion  consisted  in  howling  like  jackals  or  hyenas,  with 
all  our  might,  until  we  fell  down  in  real  or  pretended 
convulsions.  My  howl  was  considered  as  the  most 
appalling  and  unearthly  that  was  ever  heard,  and,  of 
course,  my  sanctity  was  increased  in  proportion.  We 
were  on  our  way  to  Scutari,  where  was  our  real  place 
of  residence,  and  only  lodged  here  and  there  on  our 
journey  to   fleece   those  who  were   piously   disposed.     I 


276  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

had  not  joined  more  than  ten  days  when  they  continued 
their  route,  and  after  a  week  of  very  profitable  travelling, 
passed  through  Constantinople,  crossed  the  Bosphorus, 
and  regained  their  place  of  domiciliation,  and  were 
received  with  great  joy  by  the  inhabitants,  to  whom  the 
old  chief  and  many  others  of  our  troop  were  well  known. 

Your  sublime  highness  must  be  aware  that  the  dervishes 
are  not  only  consulted  by,  but  often  become  the  bankers 
of,  the  inhabitants,  who  intrust  them  with  the  care  of 
their  money.  My  old  chief  (whose  name  I  should  have 
mentioned  before  was  Ulu-bibi)  held  large  sums  in  trust 
for  many  of  the  people  with  whom  he  was  acquainted; 
but  his  avarice  inducing  him  to  lend  the  money  out  on 
usury,  it  was  very  difficult  to  recover  it  when  it  was 
desired,  although  it  was  always  religiously  paid  back.  I 
had  not  been  many  months  at  Scutari,  before  I  found 
myself  in  high  favour,  from  my  superior  howling  and 
the  duration  of  my  convulsions.  But  during  this  state,, 
which  by  habit  soon  became  spasmodic,  continuing  until 
the  vital  functions  were  almost  extinct,  the  mind  was  as 
active  as  ever,  and  I  lay  immersed  in  a  sea  of  doubt  which 
was  most  painful.  In  my  state  of  exhaustion  I  doubted 
everything.  I  doubted  if  my  convulsions  were  convulsions 
or  only  feigned ;  I  doubted  if  I  was  asleep  or  awake ;  I 
doubted  whether  I  was  in  a  trance,  or  in  another  world,, 
or  dead,  or 

**  Friend  Hudusi,"  interrupted  Mustapha,  "  we  want 
the  facts  of  your  story,  and  not  your  doubts.  Say  I  not 
well,  your  highness  ?  What  is  all  this  but  bosh  ? — 
nothing." 

"  It  is  well  said,"  replied  the  pacha. 

"Sometimes  I  thought  that  I  had  seized  possession  of 
a  fact,  but  it  slipped  through  my  fingers  like  the  tail  of 
an  eel." 

"Let  us  have  the  facts,  which  did  not  escape  thee, 
friend,  and  let  the  mists  of  doubt  be  cleared  away  before 
the  glory  of  the  pacha,"  replied  Mustapha. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  277 

One  day  I  was  sitting  in  the  warmth  of  the  sun,  by 
the  tomb  of  a  true  believer,  when  an  old  woman  accosted 
me.     "  You  are  welcome,"  said  I. 

"  Is  your  humour  good  ? "  said  she. 

"It  is  good,"  replied  L 

She  sat  down  by  me,  and  after  a  quarter  of  an  hour 
she  continued :  "  God  is  great,"  said  she. 

"  And  Mahomet  is  his  Prophet,"  replied  I.  "In  the 
name  of  Allah,  what  do  you  wish  ? " 

"  Where  is  the  holy  man  ?  I  have  money  to  give  into 
his  charge.     May  I  not  see  him  ?  " 

"He  is  at  his  devotions — but  what  is  that  ?  Am  not  I 
the  same  ?  Do  I  not  watch  when  he  prayeth — Inshallah 
— please  God,  we  are  the  same.     Give  me  the  bag." 

"  Here  it  is,"  sai-d  she,  pulling  out  the  money  :  "  seven 
hundred  sequins,  my  daughter's  marriage-portion ;  but 
there  are  bad  men,  who  steal,  and  there  are  good  men, 
whom  we  can  trust.     Say  I  not  well  ?  " 

"  It  is  well  said,"  replied  I ;  "  and  God  is  great." 

"  You  will  find  the  money  right,"  said  she.  "  Count 
it." 

I  counted  it,  and  returned  it  into  the  goat-skin  bag. 
**  It  is  all  right.     Leave  me,  woman,  for  I  must  go  in." 

The  old  woman  left  me,  returning  thanks  to  Allah  that 
her  money  was  safe,  but  from  certain  ideas  running  in  my 
mind,  I  very  much  doubted  the  fact,  I  sat  down  full  of 
doubts.  I  doubted  if  the  old  woman  had  come  honestly 
by  the  money ;  and  whether  I  should  give  it  to  the  head 
dervish.  I  doubted  whether  I  ought  to  retain  it  for 
myself,  and  whether  I  might  not  come  to  mischief.  I 
also  had  my  doubts 

"  I  have  no  doubt,"  interrupted  Mustapha,  "  but  that 
you  kept  it  for  yourself.     Say — is  it  not  so  ?  " 

Even  so  did  my  doubts  resolve  into  that  fact.  I  settled 
it  in  my  mind,  that  seven  hundred  sequins,  added  to  about 
four  hundred  still  in  my  possession,  would  last  some  time, 


278  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

and  that  I  was  tired  of  the  life  of  a  howling  dervish. 
I  therefore  set  up  one  last  long  final  howl  to  let  my  senior 
know  that  I  was  present,  and  then  immediately  became 
absent.  I  hastened  to  the  bazaar,  and  purchasing  here 
and  there — at  one  place  a  vest,  at  another  a  shawl,  and 
at  another  a  turban — I  threw  off  my  dress  of  a  dervish, 
hastened  to  the  bath,  and  after  a  few  minutes  under  the 
barber,  came  out  like  a  butterfly  from  its  dark  shell.  No 
one  would  have  recognised  in  the  spruce  young  Turk, 
the  filthy  dervish.  I  hastened  to  Constantinople,  where 
I  lived  gaily,  and  spent  my  money  ;  but  I  found  that  to 
mix  in  the  world,  it  is  necessary  not  only  to  have  an 
attaghan,  but  also  to  have  the  courage  to  use  it ;  and  in 
several  broils  which  took  place,  from  my  too  frequent 
use  of  the  water  of  the  Giaour,  I  invariably  proved  that, 
although  my  voice  was  that  of  a  lion,  my  heart  was  but 
as  water,  and  the  finger  of  contempt  was  but  too  often 
pointed  at  the  beard  of  pretence.  One  evening,  as  I 
was  escaping  from  a  cofFee-house,  after  having  drawn 
my  attaghan,  without  having  the  courage  to  face  my 
adversary,  I  received  a  blow  from  his  weapon  which  cleft 
my  turban,  and  cut  deeply  into  my  head.  I  flew  through 
the  streets  upon  the  wings  of  fear,  and  at  last  ran  against 
in  unknown  object,  which  I  knocked  down,  and  then 
fell  along  side  of,  rolling  with  it  in  the  mud.  I  recovered 
myself,  and  looking  at  it,  found  it  to  be  alive,  and,  in  the 
excess  of  my  alarm,  I  imagined  it  to  be  Shitan  himself ; 
but  if  not  the  devil  himself,  it  was  one  of  the  sons  of 
Shitan,  for  it  was  an  unbeliever,  a  Giaour,  a  dog  to  spit 
upon ;  in  short,  it  was  a  Frank  hakim — so  renowned  for 
curing  all  diseases  that  it  was  said  he  was  assisted  by  the 
Devil. 

"  Lahnet    be    Shitan !    Curses    on    the    devil  ! "    said 
Mustapha,  taking  his  pipe  out  of  his  mouth  and  spitting. 
"  Wallah  Thaib  !     It  is  well  said,"  replied  the  pacha. 

I  was  so  convinced  that  it  was  nothing  of  this  world, 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  279 

that,  as  soon  as  I  could  recover  my  legs,  I  made  a  blow 
at  him  with  my  attaghan,  fully  expecting  that  he  would 
disappear  in  a  flame  of  fire  at  the  touch  of  a  true  believer  ; 
but,  on  the  contrary,  he  had  also  recovered  his  legs,  and 
with  a  large  cane  with  a  gold  top  on  it,  he  parried  my 
cut,  and  then  saluted  me  with  such  a  blow  on  my  head, 
that  I  again  fell  down  in  the  mud,  quite  insensible. 
When  I  recovered,  I  found  myself  on  a  mat  in  an  out- 
house, and  attended  by  my  opponent,  who  was  plastering 
up  my  head.  **  It  is  nothing,"  said  he,  as  he  bound  up 
my  head ;  but  I  suffered  so  much  pain,  and  felt  so  weak 
from  loss  of  blood,  that  in  spite  of  his  assertions,  I  very 
much  doubted  the  fact.  Shall  I  describe  this  son  of 
Jehanum  ?  And  when  I  do  so,  will  not  your  highness 
doubt  the  fact  ?  Be  chesm,  upon  my  head  be  it,  if  I  lie. 
He  was  less  than  a  man,  for  he  had  no  beard  ;  he  had  no 
turban,  but  a  piece  of  net- work,  covered  with  the  hair  of 
other  men  in  their  tombs,  which  he  sprinkled  with  the 
flour  from  the  baker's,  every  morning,  to  feed  his  brain. 
He  wore  round  his  neck  a  piece  of  linen,  tight  as  a  bow- 
string, to  prevent  his  head  being  taken  oiF  by  any  devout 
true  believer,  as  he  walked  through  the  street.  His  dress 
was  of  the  colour  of  hell,  black,  and  bound  closely  to  his 
body,  yet  must  he  have  been  a  great  m.an  in  his  own 
country,  for  he  was  evidently  a  pacha  of  two  tails,  which 
were  hanging  behind  him.  He  was  a  dreadful  man  to 
look  upon,  and  feared  nothing  ;  he  walked  into  the  house 
of  pestilence — he  handled  those  whom  Allah  had  visited 
with  the  plague — he  went  to  the  bed,  and  the  sick  rose 
and  walked.  He  warred  with  destiny  ;  and  no  man  could 
say  what  was  his  fate  until  the  Hakim  had  decided.  He 
held  in  his  hand  the  key  of  the  portal,  which  opened  into 
the  regions  of  death  ;  and — what  can  I  say  more  ? — he 
said  live,  and  the  believer  lived  ;  he  said  die,  and  the 
houris  received  him  into  Paradise. 

"  A   yesedi !     a   worshipper   of  the  devil,"   exclaimed 
Mustapha. 


28o  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  May  he  and  his  father's  grave  be  eternally  defiled ! " 
responded  the  pacha. 

I  remained  a  fortnight  under  the  Hakim's  hands  before 
I  was  well  enough  to  walk  about ;  and  when  I  had  re- 
flected, I  doubted  whether  it  would  not  be  wiser  to 
embrace  a  more  peaceful  profession.  The  Hakim  spoke 
our  language  well,  and  one  day  said  to  me,  "Thou  art 
more  fit  to  cure  than  to  give  wounds.  Thou  shalt  assist 
me,  for  he  who  is  now  with  me  will  not  remain."  I 
consented,  and  putting  on  a  more  peaceful  garb,  con- 
tinued many  months  with  the  Frank  physician,  travelling 
everywhere,  but  seldom  remaining  long  in  one  place ;  he 
followed  disease  instead  of  flying  from  it,  and  I  had  my 
doubts  whether,  from  constant  attendance  upon  the  dying, 
I  might  not  die  myself,  and  I  resolved  to  quit  him  the 
first  favourable  opportunity.  I  had  already  learnt  many 
v/onderful  things  from  him  ;  that  blood  was  necessary  to 
life,  and  that  without  breath  a  man  would  die,  and  that 
white  powders  cured  fevers,  and  black  drops  stopped  the 
dysentery.  At  last  we  arrived  in  this  town,  and  the 
other  day,  as  I  was  pounding  the  drug  of  reflection  in  the 
mortar  of  patience,  the  physician  desired  me  to  bring  his 
lancets,  and  to  follow  him.  I  paced  through  the  streets 
behind  the  learned  Hakim,  until  we  arrived  at  a  mean 
house,  in  an  obscure  quarter  of  this  grand  city  over  which 
your  highness  reigns  in  justice.  An  old  woman  full  of 
lamentation,  led  us  to  the  sick  couch,  where  lay  a  creature, 
beautiful  in  shape  as  a  houri.  The  Frank  physician  was 
desired  by  the  old  woman  to  feel  her  pulse  through  the 
curtain,  but  he  laughed  at  her  beard  (for  she  had  no 
small  one),  and  drew  aside  the  curtains  and  took  hold 
of  a  hand  so  small  and  so  delicate,  that  it  were  only  fit 
to  feed  the  Prophet  himself  near  the  throne  of  the  angel 
Gabriel,  with  the  immortal  pilau  prepared  for  true 
believers.  Her  face  was  covered,  and  the  Frank  desired 
the  veil  to  be  removed.  The  old  woman  refused,  and 
he  turned  on  his  heel  to   leave   her   to  the   assaults   of 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  281 

death.  The  old  woman's  love  for  her  child  conquered 
her  religious  scruples,  and  she  consented  that  her  daughter 
should  unveil  to  an  unbeliever.  I  was  in  ecstasy  at  her 
charms,  and  could  have  asked  her  for  a  wife ;  but  the 
Frank  only  asked  to  see  her  tongue.  Having  looked  at 
it,  he  turned  away  with  as  much  indifference  as  if  it  had 
been  a  dying  dog.  He  desired  me  to  bind  up  her  arm, 
and  took  away  a  basin  full  of  her  golden  blood,  and  then 
put  a  white  powder  into  the  hands  of  the  old  woman, 
saying  that  he  would  see  her  again.  I  held  out  my  hand 
for  the  gold,  but  there  was  none  forthcoming. 

"We  are  poor,"  cried  the  old  woman,  to  the  Hakim, 
"  but  God  is  great." 

"  I  do  not  want  your  money,  good  woman,"  replied  he  5 
"  I  will  cure  your  daughter."  Then  he  went  to  the  bedside 
and  spoke  comfort  to  the  sick  girl,  telling  her  to  be  of 
good  courage,  and  all  would  be  well. 

The  girl  answered  in  a  voice  sweeter  than  a  nightingale's, 
that  she  had  but  thanks  to  offer  in  return,  and  prayers  to 
the  Most  High.  "  Yes,"  said  the  old  woman,  raising  her 
voice,  "a  scoundrel  of  a  hov/iing  dervish  robbed  me  at 
Scutari  of  all  I  had  for  my  subsistence,  and  of  my  daughter's 
portion,  seven  hundred  sequins,  in  a  goat-skin  bag  !  " — and 
then  she  began  to  curse.  May  the  dogs  of  the  city  howl 
at  her  ugliness  !  How  she  did  curse !  She  cursed  my 
father  and  mother — she  cursed  their  graves — flung  dirt 
upon  my  brother  and  sisters,  and  filth  upon  the  whole 
generation.  She  gave  me  up  to  Jehanum,  and  to  every 
species  of  defilement.  It  was  a  dreadful  thing  to  hear 
that  old  woman  curse.  I  pulled  my  turban  over  my  eyes, 
that  she  might  not  recognise  me,  and  lifted  up  my  garment 
to  cover  my  face,  that  I  might  not  be  defiled  with  the 
shower  of  curses  which  were  thrown  at  me  like  mud,  and 
sat  there  watching  till  the  storm  was  over.  Unfortunately, 
in  lifting  up  my  garment,  I  exposed  to  the  view  of  the  old 
hag  the  cursed  goat-skin  bag,  which  hung  at  my  girdle, 
and  contained,  not  only  her  money,  but  the  remainder  of 
my  own.    "  Mashallah — how  wonderful  is  God  !  "  screamed 


282  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

the  old  beldame,  flying  at  me  like  a  tigress,  and  clutching 
the  bag  from  my  girdle.  Having  secured  that,  she  darted 
at  me  with  her  ten  nails,  and  scored  down  my  face,  which 
I  had  so  unfortunately  covered  in  the  first  instance,  and  so 
unfortunately  uncovered  in  the  second.  What  shall  I  say 
more  ?  The  neighbours  came  in — I  was  hurried  before 
the  cadi,  in  company  with  the  old  woman  and  the  Frank 
physician.  The  money  and  bag  were  taken  from  me — I 
was  dismissed  by  the  Hakim,  and  after  receiving  one 
hundred  blows  from  the  ferashes,  I  was  dismissed  by  the 
cadi.  It  was  my  fate — and  I  have  told  my  story.  Is  your 
slave  dismissed  ? 

" No,"  replied  the  pacha  ;  "by  our  beard,  we  must  see 
to  this,  Mustapha ;  say,  Hudusi,  what  was  the  decision  of 
the  cadi  ?     Our  ears  are  open." 

"  The  cadi  decided  as  follows  : — That  I  had  stolen  the 
money,  and  therefore  I  was  punished  with  the  bastinado  • 
but,  as  the  old  woman  stated  that  the  bag  contained  seven 
hundred  sequins,  and  there  were  found  in  it  upwards  of 
eleven  hundred,  that  the  money  could  not  belong  to  her. 
He  therefore  retained  it  until  he  could  find  the  right 
owner.  The  physician  was  fined  fifty  sequins  for  looking 
at  a  Turkish  woman,  and  fifty  more  for  shrugging  up  his 
shoulders.  The  girl  was  ordered  into  the  cadi's  harem, 
because  she  had  lost  her  dowry  ;  and  the  old  woman  was 
sent  about  her  business.  All  present  declared  that  the 
sentence  was  wisdom  itself;  but,  for  my  part,  I  very  much 
doubted  the  fact. ^^ 

"  Mustapha,"  said  the  pacha,  "  send  for  the  cadi,  the 
Frank  physician,  the  old  woman,  the  girl,  and  the  goat- 
skin bag ;  we  must  examine  into  this  affair." 

The  officers  were  despatched,  and  in  less  than  an  hour, 
during  which  the  pacha  and  his  vizier  smoked  in  silence, 
the  cadi  and  the  others  made  their  appearance. 

"  May  your  highness's  shadow  never  be  less  !  "  said  the 
cadi,  as  he  entered. 

"  Mobarek  !  may  you  be  fortunate  !  "  replied  the  pacha. 
"  What  is  this  we  hear,  cadi  ?     There  is  a  goat-skin  bag 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  283 

and  a  girl,  that  are  not  known  to  our  justice.  Are  there 
secrets  like  those  hid  in  the  well  of  Kashan — speak  !  what 
dirt  have  you  been  eating  ? " 

**What  shall  I  say?"  replied  the  cadi;  "lam  but  as 
dirt ;  the  money  is  here,  and  the  girl  is  here.  Is  the 
pacha  to  be  troubled  with  every  woman's  noise,  or  am  I  to 
come  before  him  with  a  piece  or  two  of  gold — Min  Allah 
— God  forbid !  Have  I  not  here  the  money,  and  seven  more 
purses  ?  Was  not  the  girl  visited  by  the  angel  of  death ; 
and  could  she  appear  before  your  presence  lean  as  a  dog  in 
the  bazaar  ?  Is  she  not  here  ?  Have  I  spoken  well  ? " 
"It  is  well  said,  cadi.  Murakhas — you  are  dismissed." 
The  Frank  physician  was  then  fined  one  hundred  sequins 
more ;  fifty  for  feeling  the  pulse,  and  fifty  more  for  look- 
ing at  a  Turkish  woman's  tongue.  The  young  woman  was 
dismissed  to  the  pacha's  harem,  the  old  woman  to  curse  as 
much  as  she  pleased,  and  Hudusi  with  full  permission  to 
doubt  anything  but  the  justice  of  the  pacha. 


Chapter  XVII 

**  Mashallah  !  God  be  praised  !  we  are  rid  of  that  fellov/ 
and  his  doubts.  I  have  been  thinking,  Mustapha,  as  I 
smoked  the  pipe  of  surmise,  and  arrived  at  the  ashes  of 
certainty,  that  a  man  who  had  so  many  doubts,  could  not 
be  a  true  believer.  I  wish  I  had  sent  him  to  the  moUahs  5 
we  might  have  been  amused  with  his  being  impaled,  which 
is  a  rare  object  now-a-days." 

"God  is  great,"  replied  Mustapha,  "and  a  stake  is  a 
strong  argument,  and  would  remove  many  doubts.  But  I 
have  an  infidel  in  the  court-yard  who  telleth  of  strange 
things.  He  hath  been  caught  like  a  wild  beast ;  it  is  a 
Frank  Galiongi,  who  hath  travelled  as  far  as  that  son  of 
Shitan,  Huckaback ;  he  was  found  in  the  streets,  over- 
powered by  the  forbidden  juice,  after  having  beaten  many 
of  your   highness's   subjects,   and   the   cadi   would   have 


284  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

administered  the  bamboo,  but  he  was  as  a  lion,  and  he 
scattered  the  slaves  as  chafF,  until  he  fell,  and  could  not 
rise  again.  I  have  taken  him  from  the  cadi,  and  brought 
him  here.  He  speaketh  but  the  Prankish  tongue,  but  the 
sun  who  shineth  on  me  knoweth  I  have  been  in  the  Frank 
country  \  and  Inshallah  !  please  the  Lord,  I  can  interpret 
his  meaning." 

"  What  sort  of  a  man  may  he  be,  Mustapha  ? " 

"  He  is  a  baj  baj — a  big  belly — a  stout  man ;  he  is  an 
Anhunkher,  a  swallower  of  iron.  He  hath  sailed  in  the 
war  vessels  of  the  Franks.  He  holdeth  in  one  hand  a 
bottle  of  the  forbidden  liquor ;  in  the  other,  he  shakes  at 
those  who  would  examine  him,  a  thick  stick.  He  hath  a 
large  handful  of  the  precious  weed  which  we  use  for  our 
pipes  in  one  of  his  cheeks,  and  his  hair  is  hanging  behind 
down  to  his  waist,  in  a  rolled  up  mass,  as  thick  as  the  arm 
of  your  slave." 

"  It  is  well — we  will  admit  him ;  but  let  there  be  armed 
men  at  hand.  Let  me  have  a  full  pipe !  God  is  great," 
continued  the  pacha,  holding  out  his  glass  to  be  filled  j 
"  and  the  bottle  is  nearly  empty.  Place  the  guards,  and 
bring  in  the  infidel." 

The  guards  in  a  few  minutes  brought  into  the  presence 
of  the  pacha  a  stout-built  English  sailor,  in  the  usual  dress, 
and  with  a  tail  which  hung  down  behind,  below  his  waist. 
The  sailor  did  not  appear  to  like  his  treatment ;  and  every 
now  and  then,  as  they  pushed  and  dragged  him  in,  turned 
to  one  side  or  the  other,  looking  daggers  at  those  who 
conducted  him.  He  was  sober,  although  his  eyes  bore 
testimony  to  recent  intoxication,  and  his  face,  which  was 
manly  and  handsome,  was  much  disfigured  by  an  enormous 
quid  of  tobacco  in  his  right  cheek,  which  gave  him  an 
appearance  of  natural  deformity.  As  soon  as  he  was  near 
enough  to  the  pacha,  the  attendants  let  him  go.  Jack 
shook  his  jacket,  hitched  up  his  trousers,  and  said,  looking 
furiously  at  them,  **  Well,  you  beggars,  have  you  done 
with  me  at  last  ?  " 

Mustapha  addressed  the  sailor  in  English,  telling  him  that 
he  was  in  the  presence  of  his  highness  the  pacha. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  285 

"  What,  that  old  chap,  muffled  up  in  shawls  and  furs — 
is  he  the  pacha  ?  Well,  I  don't  think  much  o'  he  ; "  and 
the  sailor  turned  his  eyes  round  the  room,  gaping  with 
astonishment,  and  perfectly  unmindful  how  very  near  he 
was  to  one  who  could  cut  off  his  head  or  his  tail,  by  a  single 
movement  of  his  hand. 

"  What  sayeth  the  Frank,  Mustapha?"  inquired  the  pacha. 

"  He  is  struck  dumb  with  astonishment  at  the  splendour 
of  your  majesty,  and  all  that  he  beholds." 

"It  is  well  said,  by  Allah!" 

"  I  suppose  I  may  just  as  well  come  to  an  anchor,"  said 
the  sailor,  suiting  the  action  to  the  word,  and  dropping 
down  on  the  mats.  "There,"  continued  he,  folding  his 
legs  in  imitation  of  the  Turks,  "  as  it's  the  fashion  to  have 
a  cross  in  your  hawse,  on  this  here  country,  I  can  be  a  bit 
of  a  lubber  as  well  as  yourselves.  I  wouldn't  mind  if  I 
blew  a  cloud,  as  well  as  you,  old  fusty-musty»" 

"  Vfhat  does  the  Giaour  say  .''  What  son  of  a  dog  is 
this,  to  sit  in  our  presence  ?  "  exclaimed  the  pacha. 

"  He  saith,"  replied  Mustapha,  "  that  in  his  country,  no 
one  dare  stand  in  the  presence  of  the  Prankish  king ;  and, 
overcome  by  his  humility,  his  legs  refuse  their  office,  and 
he  sinks  to  the  dust  before  you.  It  is  even  as  he  sayeth, 
for  I  have  travelled  in  their  country,  and  such  is  the  custom 
of  that  uncivilised  nation.  Mashallah  !  but  he  lives  in 
awe  and  trembling." 

"  By  the  beard  of  the  Prophet,  he  does  not  appear  to 
show  it  outwardly,"  replied  the  pacha  ;  "  but  that  may  be 
the  custom  also." 

"Be  chesm,  on  my  eyes  be  it,"  replied  Mustapha,  "it is 
even  so.  Frank,"  said  Mustapha,  "  the  pacha  has  sent  for 
you  that  he  may  hear  an  account  of  all  the  wonderful  things 
which  you  have  seen.  You  must  tell  lies,  and  you  will 
have  gold." 

"  Tell  lies  I  that  is,  spin  a  yarn ;  well,  I  can  do  that,  but 
my  mouth's  baked  with  thirst,  and  without  a  drop  of  some- 
thing, the  devil  a  yarn  from  me,  and  so  you  may  tell  the 
old  Billygoat,  perched  up  there." 


286  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  What  sayeth  the  son  of  Shi  tan  ? "  demanded  the  pacha, 
impatiently. 

"  The  unbeliever  declareth  that  his  tongue  is  glued  to 
his  mouth  from  the  terror  of  your  highness's  presence.  He 
fainteth  after  water  to  restore  him,  and  enable  him  to  speak." 

"  Let  him  be  fed,"  rejoined  the  pacha. 

But  Mustapha  had  heard  enough  to  know  that  the  sailor 
would  not  be  content  with  the  pure  element.  He  there- 
fore continued,  "Your  slave  must  tell  you,  that  in  the 
country  of  the  Franks  they  drink  nothing  but  the  fire- 
water, in  which  the  true  believers  but  occasionally  venture 
to  indulge." 

"  Allah  acbar  !  nothing  but  fire-water  ?  What,  then,  do 
they  do  with  common  water  ? " 

"  They  have  none  but  from  heaven — the  rivers  are  all 
of  the  same  strength." 

"  Mashallah  !  how  wonderful  is  God  !  I  would  we  had 
a  river  here.  Let  some  be  procured,  then,  for  I  wish  to 
hear  his  story." 

A  bottle  of  brandy  was  sent  for,  and  handed  to  the 
sailor,  who  put  it  to  his  mouth,  and  the  quantity  he  took 
of  it  before  he  removed  the  bottle  to  recover  his  breath, 
fully  convinced  the  pacha  that  Mustapha's  assertions  were 
true. 

"  Come,  that's  not  so  bad,"  said  the  sailor,  putting  the 
bottle  down  betv/een  his  legs  5  "  and  now  I'll  be  as  good 
as  my  word,  and  I'll  spin  old  Billy  a  yarn  as  long  as  the 
main-top  bowling." 

"  What  sayeth  the  Giaour  ? "  interrupted  the  pacha. 

"That  he  is  about  to  lay  at  your  highness's  feet  the 
v/onderful  events  of  his  life,  and  trusts  that  his  face  will 
be  whitened  before  he  quits  your  sublime  presence.  Frank, 
you  may  proceed." 

"  To  lie  till  I'm  black  in  the  face — well,  since  you  wish 
it ;  but,  old  chap,  my  name  arn't  Frank.  It  happens  to  be 
Bill ;  howsomever,  it  warn't  a  bad  guess  for  a  Turk ;  and 
now  I'm  here,  I'd  just  like  to  ax  you  a  question.  We  had 
a  bit  of  a  hargument  the  other  day,  when  I  was  in  a  frigate 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  287 

up  the  Dardanelles,  as  to  v/hat  your  religion  might  be. 
Jack  Soames  said  that  you  warn't  Christians,  but  that  if 
you  were,  you  could  only  be  Catholics ;  but  I  don't  know 
how  he  could  know  anything  about  it,  seeing  that  he  had 
not  been  more  than  seven  weeks  on  board  of  a  man-of-war. 
What  may  you  be — if  I  may  make  so  bold  as  to  ax  the 
question  ? " 

'*  What  does  he  say  ? "  inquired  the  pacha,  impatiently. 

"  He  says,"  interrupted  Mustapha,  "  that  he  was  not  so 
fortunate  as  to  be  born  in  the  country  of  the  true  believers, 
but  in  an  island  full  of  fog  and  mist,  where  the  sun  never 
shines,  and  the  cold  is  so  intense,  that  the  water  from  heaven 
is  hard  and  cold  as  a  flint." 

"  That  accounts  for  their  not  drinking  it.  Mashallah ! 
God  is  great !     Let  him  proceed." 

"  The  pacha  desires  me  to  say  that  there  is  but  one  God, 
and  Mahomet  is  his  Prophet  5  and  begs  that  you  will  go  on 
with  your  story." 

**  Never  heard  of  the  chap — never  mind — here's  saw 
wood." 

TALE   OF   THE    ENGLISH    SAILOR 

I  WAS  born  at  Shields,  and  bred  to  the  sea,  served  my  time 
out  of  that  port,  and  got  a  berth  on  board  a  small  vessel 
fitted  out  from  Liverpool  for  the  slave  trade.  We  made 
the  coast,  unstowed  our  beads,  spirits,  and  gunpowder,  and 
very  soon  had  a  cargo  on  board ;  but  the  day  after  we 
sailed  for  the  Havannah,  the  dysentery  broke  out  among 
the  niggers — no  wonder,  seeing  how  they  were  stowed, 
poor  devils,  head  and  tail,  like  pilchards  in  a  cask.  We 
opened  the  hatches,  and  brought  part  of  them  on  deck,  but 
it  was  of  no  use,  they  died  like  rotten  sheep,  and  we  tossed 
overboard  about  thirty  a  day.  Many  others,  who  were 
alive,  jumped  overboard,  and  we  were  followed  by  a  shoal 
of  sharks,  splashing,  and  darting,  and  diving,  and  tearing  the 
bodies,  yet  warm,  and  revelling  in  the  hot  and  bloody 
water.     At  last  they  were  all  gone,  and  we  turned  back  to 


288  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

the  coast  to  get  a  fresh  supply.  We  were  within  a  day's 
sail  of  the  land,  when  we  saw  two  boats  on  our  weather 
bow :  they  made  signals  to  us,  and  we  found  them  to  be 
full  of  men ;  we  hove  to,  and  took  them  on  board,  and 
then  it  was  that  we  discovered  that  they  had  belonged  to 
a  French  schooner,  in  the  same  trade,  which  had  started  a 
plank,  and  had  gone  down  like  a  shot,  with  all  the  niggers 
in  the  hold. 

"  Now,  give  the  old  gentleman  the  small  change  of  that, 
while  I  just  wet  my  whistle." 

Mustapha  having  interpreted,  and  the  sailor  having  taken 
a  swig  at  the  bottle,  he  proceeded. 

We  didn't  much  like  having  these  French  beggars  on 
board,  and  it  wasn't  without  reason,  for  they  were  as  many 
as  we  were.  The  very  first  night  they  were  overheard  by 
a  negro  who  belonged  to  us,  and  had  learnt  French,  making 
a  plan  for  overpowering  us,  and  taking  possession  of  the 
vessel  j  so  when  we  heard  that,  their  doom  was  sealed. 
We  mustered  ourselves  on  the  deck,  put  the  hatches  over 
some  o'  the  French,  seized  those  on  deck,  and — in  half  an 
hour,  they  all  walked  the  plank. 

"  I  do  not  understand  what  you  mean,"  said  Mustapha. 

"  That's  'cause  you're  a  lubber  of  a  landsman.  The  long 
and  short  of  walking  a  plank  is  just  this.  We  passed  a 
wide  plank  over  the  gunnel,  greasing  it  well  at  the  outer 
end,  led  the  Frenchmen  up  to  it  blindfolded,  and  wished 
them  *bon  voyage,'  in  their  own  lingo,  just  out  of  polite- 
ness. They  walked  on  till  they  toppled  into  the  sea,  and 
the  sharks  didn't  refuse  them,  though  they  prefer  a  nigger 
to  anything  else." 

"  What  does  he  say,  Mustapha  ?  "  interrupted  the  pacha. 
Mustapha  interpreted. 

"  Good ;  I  should  like  to  have  seen  that,"  replied  the 
pacha. 

Well,  as  soon  as  we  were  rid  of  the  Frenchmen,  we  made 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  289 

our  port,  and  soon  had  another  cargo  on  board,  and,  after 
a  good  run,  got  safe  to  the  Havannah,  where  we  sold  our 
slaves ;  but  I  didn't  much  like  the  sarvice,  so  I  cut  the 
schooner,  and  sailed  home  in  summer,  and  got  back  safe  to 
England.  There  I  fell  in  with  Betsy,  and  as  she  proved  a 
reguJar  out-and-outer,  I  spliced  her ;  and  a  famous  wedding 
we  had  of  it,  as  long  as  the  rhino  lasted ;  but  that  wasn't 
long,  the  more's  the  pity  ;  so  I  went  to  sea  for  more. 
When  I  came  back  after  my  trip,  I  found  that  Bet  hadn't 
behaved  quite  so  well  as  she  might  have  done,  so  I  cut  my 
stick,  and  went  away  from  her  altogether. 

"  Why  didn't  you  put  her  in  a  sack  ^ "  inquired  the 
pacha,  when  Mustapha  explained. 

*'Put  her  head  in  a  bag — no,  she  wasn't  so  ugly  as  all 
that,"  replied  the  sailor.     "  Howsomever,  to  coil  away." 

I  joined  a  privateer  brig,  and  after  three  cruises  I  had 
plenty  of  money,  and  determined  to  have  another  spell  on 
shore,  that  I  might  get  rid  of  it.  Then  I  picked  up  Sue, 
and  spliced  again ;  but.  Lord  bless  your  heart,  she  turned 
out  a  regular-built  Tartar — nothing  but  fight  fight,  scratch 
scratch,  all  day  long,  till  I  wished  her  at  old  Scratch.  I 
was  tired  of  her,  and  Sue  had  taken  a  fancy  to  another 
chap  ;  so  says  she  one  day,  "As  we  both  be  of  the  same 
mind,  why  don't  you  sell  me,  and  then  we  may  part  in  a 
'respectable  manner."  I  agrees,  and  I  puts  a  halter  round 
her  neck,  and  leads  her  to  the  market-place,  the  chap 
following  to  buy  her. 

**  Who  bids  for  this  woman  ? "  says  L 

"  I  do,"  say  he. 

"  What  will  you  give  ?  " 

**  Half-a-crown,"  says  he. 

"  Will  you  throw  a  glass  of  grog  into  the  bargain  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  says  he. 

**  Then  she's  yours ;  and  I  wish  you  much  joy  of  your 
bargain.''  So  I  hands  the  rope  to  him,  and  he  leads  her 
off. 


290  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"How  much  did  you  say  he  sold  his  wife  for?"  said 
the  pacha  to  Mustapha,  when  this  part  of  the  story  was 
repeated  to  him. 

"  A  piastre,  and  a  drink  of  the  fire-water,  repHed  the 
vizier." 

"  Ask  him  if  she  was  handsome,"  said  the  pacha. 

"  Handsome,"  repHed  the  sailor  to  Mustapha's  inquiry  ; 
**  yes,  she  was  as  pretty  a  craft  to  look  at  as  you  may 
set  your  eyes  upon ;  fine  round  counter — clean  run — 
swelling  bows — good  figure-head,  and  hair  enough  for 
a  mermaid." 

"What  does  he  say  ?"  inquired  the  pacha. 

"  The  Frank  declareth  that  her  eyes  were  bright  as 
those  of  the  gazelle,  that  her  eyebrows  were  as  one,  her 
waist  as  that  of  the  cypress,  her  face  as  the  full  moon, 
and  that  she  was  fat  as  the  houris  that  await  the  true 
believers." 

"Mashallah!  all  for  a  piastre.  Ask  him,  Mustapha, 
if  there  are  more  wives  to  be  sold  in  that  country  ? " 

"  More,"  replied  the  sailor,  in  answer  to  Mustapha ; 
"  you  may  have  a  ship  full  in  an  hour.  There's  many  a 
fellow  in  England  who  would  give  a  handful  of  coin  to 
get  rid  of  his  wife." 

"We  will  make  further  inquiry,  Mustapha;  it  must 
be  looked  to.     Say  I  not  well  ? " 

"It  is  well  said,"  replied  Mustapha.  "  My  heart  is 
burnt  as  roast  meat  at  the  recollection  of  the  women  of 
the  country,  who  are,  indeed,  as  he  hath  described 
houris  to  the  sight.  Proceed,  Yaha  Bibi,  my  friend,  and 
tell  his " 

"Yaw  Bibby!  I  told  you  my  name  was  Bill,  not 
Bibby ;  and  I  never  yaws  from  my  course,  although  I 
heaves  to  sometimes,  as  I  do  now,  to  take  in  provisions." 
The  sailor  took  another  swig,  wiped  his  mouth  with  the 
back  of  his  hand,  and  continued — "  Now  for  a  good 
lie." 

I  sailed  in  a  brig  for  the  Brazils,  and  a  gale  came  on, 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  291 

that  I  never  seed  the  like  of.  We  were  obliged  to  have 
three  men  stationed  to  hold  the  captain's  hair  on  his  head ; 
and  a  little  boy  was  blown  over  the  moon,  and  slid  down 
by  two  or  three  of  her  beams,  till  he  caught  the  mainstay, 
and  never  hurt  himself." 

"  Good,"  said  Mustapha,  who  interpreted. 
'*  By  the  beard  of  the  Prophet,  wonderful ! "  exclaimed 
the  pacha. 

Well,  the  gale  lasted  for  a  week,  and  at  last  one  night, 
when  I  was  at  the  helm,  we  dashed  on  the  rocks  of  a 
desolate  island.  I  was  pitched  right  over  the  mountains, 
and  fell  into  the  sea  on  the  other  side  of  the  island.  I 
swam  on  shore,  and  got  into  a  cave,  where  I  fell  fast 
asleep.  The  next  morning  I  found  that  there  was  nothing 
to  eat  except  rats,  and  they  were  plentiful ;  but  they  were 
so  quick,  that  I  could  not  catch  them.  I  walked  about, 
and  at  last  discovered  a  great  many  rats  together ;  they 
were  at  a  spring  of  water,  the  only  one,  as  I  afterwards 
found,  on  the  island.  Rats  can't  do  without  water,  and 
I  thought  I  should  have  them  there.  I  filled  up  the 
spring,  all  but  a  hole  which  I  sat  on  the  top  of.  When 
the  rats  came  again,  I  filled  my  mouth  with  water,  and 
held  it  wide  open ;  they  ran  up  to  drink,  and  I  caught 
their  heads  in  my  teeth,  and  thus  I  took  as  many  as  I 
wished. 

"  Aferin,  excellent ! "  cried  the  pacha,  as  soon  as  this 
was  explained. 

Well,  at  last  a  vessel  took  me  off,  and  I  wasn't  sorry 
for  it,  for  raw  rats  are  not  very  good  eating.  I  went 
home  again,  and  I  hadn't  been  on  shore  more  than  two 
hours,  when  who  should  I  see  but  my  first  wife.  Bet, 
with  a  robin-redbreast  in  tow.  *  That's  he  ! '  says  she. 
I  gave  fight,  but  was  nabbed  and  put  into  limbo,  to  be 
tried  for  what  they  call  bigger y,  or  having  a  wife  too  much. 


292  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  How  does  he  mean  ? — desire  him  to  explain,"  said  the 
pacha,  after  Mustapha  had  conveyed  the  intelligence^ 
Mustapha  obeyed. 

"In  our  country  one  wife  is  considered  a  man's  allow- 
ance, and  he  is  not  to  take  more,  that  every  Jack  may 
have  his  Jill.  I  had  spliced  two,  so  they  tried  me,  and 
sent  me  to  Botany  Bay  for  life." 

This  explanation  puzzled  the  pacha.  "How — what 
sort  of  a  country  must  it  be,  when  a  man  cannot  have 
two  wives  ?  Inshallah !  please  the  Lord,  we  may  have 
hundreds  in  our  harem !  Does  he  not  laugh  at  our  beards 
with  lies  ?     Is  this  not  all  bosh,  nothing  ?  " 

"It  is  even  so,  as  the  Frank  speaketh,'*  replied 
Mustapha.  "The  king  of  the  country  can  take  but  one 
wife.     Be  chesm,  on  my  eyes  be  it,  if  it  is  not  the  truth." 

"Well,"  rejoined  the  pacha,  "what  are  they  but 
infidels  ?  They  deserve  to  have  no  more.  Houris  are 
for  the  faithful.  May  their  fathers'  graves  be  defiled. 
Let  the  Giaour  proceed." 

Well,  I  was  started  for  the  other  side  of  the  water,  and 
got  there  safe  enough,  as  I  hope  one  day  to  get  to  Heaven, 
wind  and  weather  permitting,  but  I  had  no  idea  of  work- 
ing without  pay,  so  one  fine  morning  I  slipt  away  into 
the  woods,  where  I  remained  with  three  or  four  more  for 
six  months.  We  lived  upon  kangaroos,  and  another  odd 
little  animal,  and  got  on  pretty  well. 

"What  may  the  dish  of  kangaroos  be  composed  of?" 
inquired  Mustapha,  in  obedience  to  the  pacha. 

"'Posed  of!  why,  a  dish  of  kangaroos  be  made  of 
kangaroos  to  be  sure." 

But  I'll  be  dished  if  I  talked  about  anything  but  the 
animal,  which  we  had  some  trouble  to  kill ;  for  it  stands 
on  its  big  tail,  and  fights  with  ail  four  feet.  Moreover, 
it  be  otherwise  a  strange  beast ;  for  its  young  ones  pop 
out  of  its  stomach,  and  then  pop  in  again,  having  a  place 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  293 

there  on  purpose,  just  like  the  great  hole  in  the  bow  of 
a  timber  ship ;  and  as  for  the  other  little  animal,  it  swims 
in  the  ponds,  lays  eggs,  and  has  a  duck's  bill,  yet  still  it 
be  covered  all  over  with  hair  like  a  beast. 

The  vizier  interpreted.  "  By  the  Prophet,  but  he 
laughs  at  our  beards  ! "  exclaimed  the  pacha,  angrily. 
**  These  are  foolish  lies." 

**  You  must  not  tell  the  pacha  such  foolish  lies.  He 
will  be  angry,"  said  Mustapha.  "Tell  lies,  but  they 
must  be  good  hes." 

"  Well,  I'll  be ,"  replied  the  sailor,   "  if  the  old 

beggar  don't  doubt  the  only  part  which  is  true  out  of 
the  whole  yarn.  Well,  I  will  try  another  good  un  to 
please  him." 

After  I  had  been  there  about  six  months  I  was  tired ; 
and  as  there  was  only  twenty  thousand  miles  between 
that  country  and  my  own,  I  determined  to  swim  back. 

"  Mashallah  !  swim  back — how  many  thousand  miles  ?  " 
exclaimed  Mustapha. 

"  Only  twenty  thousand — a  mere  nothing." 

So  one  fine  morning  I  throws  a  young  kangaroo  on  my 
shoulder,  and  off  I  starts.  I  swam  for  three  months, 
night  and  day,  and  then  feeling  a  little  tired,  I  laid  to 
on  my  back,  and  then  I  set  off  again ;  but  by  this  time 
I  was  so  covered  with  barnacles,  that  I  made  but  little 
way.  So  I  stopped  at  Ascension,  scraped  and  cleaned 
myself,  and  then,  after  feeding  for  a  week  on  turtle, 
just  to  keep  the  scurvy  out  of  my  bones,  I  set  off  again ; 
and  as  I  passed  the  Gut,  I  thought  I  might  just  as  well 
put  in  here ;  and  here  I  arrived,  sure  enough,  yesterday, 
about  three  bells  in  the  morning  watch,  after  a  voyage  of 
five  months  and  three  days. 

When  Mustapha  translated  all  this  to  the  pacha,  the 
latter  was  lost  in  astonishment.     "  Allah  Wakbar !    God 


2  94  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

is  everywhere !  Did  you  ever  hear  of  such  a  swimmer  ? 
Twenty  thousand  miles — five  months  and  three  days. 
It  is  a  wonderful  story  !  Let  his  mouth  be  filled  with 
gold." 

Mustapha  intimated  to  the  sailor  the  unexpected  compli- 
ment about  to  be  conferred  on  him,  just  as  he  had  finished 
the  bottle  and  rolled  it  away  on  one  side.  "  "Well,  that 
be  a  rum  way  of  paying  a  man.  I  have  heard  it  said  that 
a  fellow  pursed  up  his  mouth ;  but  I  never  afore  heard 
of  a  mouth  being  a  purse.  Howsomever,  all's  one  for 
that ;  only,  d'ye  see,  if  you  are  about  to  stow  it  away 
in  bulk,  it  may  be  just  as  well  to  get  rid  of  the  dunnage." 
The  sailor  put  his  thumb  and  forefinger  into  his  cheek, 
and  pulled  out  his  enormous  quid  of  tobacco.  "There 
now,  I'm  ready,  and  don't  be  afraid  of  choking  me."  One 
of  the  attendants  then  thrust  several  pieces  of  gold  into 
the  sailor's  mouth,  who,  spitting  them  all  out  into  his  hat, 
jumped  on  his  legs,  made  a  jerk  of  his  head  with  a  kick 
of  the  leg  behind  to  the  pacha  ;  and  declaring  that  he  was 
the  funniest  old  beggar  he  had  ever  fallen  in  with,  nodded 
to  Mustapha,  and  hastened  out  of  the  divan. 

**  Mashallah  !  but  he  swims  well,"  said  the  pacha, 
breaking  up  the  audience. 


Chapter  XVIII 

The  departure  of  the  caravan  was  delayed  for  two 
or  three  days  by  the  vizier  upon  various  pretexts — 
although  it  was  his  duty  to  render  it  every  assistance — that 
Menouni  might  afford  further  amusement  to  the  pacha. 
Menouni  was  well  content  to  remain,  as  the  liberality 
of  the  pacha  was  not  to  be  fallen  in  with  every  day, 
and  the  next  evening  he  was  again  ushered  into  the 
sublime  presence. 

"  Khosh  amedeid !  you  are  welcome,"  said  the  pacha,  as 
Menouni   made   his   low  obeisance.     "Now  let   us  have 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  295 

another  story.  I  don't  care  how  long  it  is,  only  let  us  have 
no  more  princesses  to  be  married.  That  Babe-bi-bobu 
was  enough  to  tire  the  patience  of  a  dervish." 

"  Your  sublime  highness  shall  be  obeyed,"  replied 
Menouni.  "Would  it  please  you  to  hear  the  story 
of  Yussuf,  the  Water  carrier  ? " 

**  Yes,  that  sounds  better.     You  may  proceed." 


THE   WATER-CARRIER. 

May  it  please  your  highness,  it  so  happened  that  the 
great  Haroun  Alraschid  was  one  night  seized  with  one  of 
those  fits  of  sleepless  melancholy  with  which  it  had 
pleased  Allah  to  temper  his  splendid  destiny,  and  which 
fits  are,  indeed,  the  common  lot  of  those  who  are  raised 
by  fortune  above  the  ordinary  fears  and  vicissitudes  of  life. 

"  I  can't  say  that  I  ever  have  them,"  observed  the 
pacha.     **  How  is  that,  Mustapha  ? " 

**  Your  highness  has  as  undoubted  a  right  to  them  as  the 
great  caliph,"  replied  Mustapha,  bowing ;  "  but  if  I  may 
venture  to  state  my  opinion,"  continued  he,  drawing  down 
to  the  ear  of  the  pacha,  "  you  have  discovered  the  remedy 
for  them  in  the  strong  water  of  the  Giaour." 

"Very  true,"  replied  the  pacha;  "Haroun  Alraschid, 
if  I  recollect  right,  was  very  strict  in  his  observances 
of  the  precepts  of  the  Koran.  After  all,  he  was  but 
a  pastek — a  water-melon.     You  may  proceed,  Menouni." 

The  caliph,  oppressed,  as  I  before  observed  to  your 
highness,  with  this  fit  of  melanchol}'-,  despatched  Mesrour 
for  his  chief  vizier,  GiafFar  Bermukki,  who,  not  un- 
accustomed to  this  nocturnal  summons,  speedily  presented 
himself  before  the  commander  of  the  faithful.  "  Father 
of  true  believers  !  descendant  of  the  Prophet  !  "  said  the 
minister,  with  a  profound  obeisance,  "  thy  slave  waits  but 
to  hear,  and  hears  but  to  obey." 


296  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  Giaffar,"  replied  the  caliph,  "  I  am  overwhelmed 
with  distressing  inquietude,  and  would  fain  have  thee 
devise  some  means  for  my  relief.  Speak — what  sayest 
thou  ? " 

"  Hasten,  O  my  prince,  to  thy  favourite  garden  of  the 
Tierbar,  where,  gazing  on  the  bright  moon,  and  listening 
to  the  voice  of  the  bul-bul,  you  will  await  in  pleasing 
contemplation  the  return  of  the  sun." 

'*  Not  so,"  replied  the  caliph. 

"By  the  beard  of  the  Prophet!  the  caliph  was  right, 
and  that  GiafFar  was  a  fool.  I  never  heard  that  staring 
at  the  moon  was  an  amusement  before,"  observed  the 
pacha. 

"  Not  so,"  urged  the  caliph.  "  My  gardens,  my 
palaces,  and  my  possessions,  are  no  more  to  me  a  source 
of  pleasure." 

"  By  the  sword  of  the  Prophet !  Now  the  caliph  appears 
to  be  the  fool,"  interrupted  the  pacha. 

"  Shall  we  then  repair  to  the  Hall  of  the  Ancients,  and 
pass  the  night  in  reviving  the  memory  of  the  wise,  whose 
sayings  are  stored  therein  ?  "  continued  Giaffar. 

**  Counsel  avails  not,"  replied  the  caliph;  "the  records 
of  the  past  will  not  suffice  to  banish  the  cares  of  the 
present." 

"  Then,"  said  the  vizier,  "  will  the  light  of  the  world 
seek  refuge  from  his  troubles  in  a  disguise,  and  go  forth 
with  the  humblest  of  his  slaves  to  witness  the  condition  of 
his  people  ? " 

"  Thou  hast  said  well,"  replied  the  caliph  ;  "  I  will  go 
with  thee  into  the  bazaar,  and  witness  unknown  the 
amusements  of  my  people  after  the  labours  of  the  day." 

Mesrour,  the  chief  eunuch,  was  at  hand,  and  hastened 
for  the  needful  disguises.  After  having  clad  themselves 
as  merchants  of  Moussul,  and  tinged  their  faces  of  an  olive 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  297 

hue,  the  caliph,  accompanied  by  GiafFar  and  Mesrour, 
the  latter  armed  with  a  scimitar,  issued  forth  from  the 
secret  door  of  the  seraglio.  Giaffar,  who  knew  from 
experience  the  quarter  likely  to  prove  most  fertile  in 
adventure,  led  the  caliph  past  the  mosque  of  Zobeide,  and 
crossing  the  Bridge  of  Boats  over  the  Tigris,  continued 
his  way  to  that  part  of  the  city  on  the  Mesopotamian 
side  of  the  river  which  was  inhabited  by  the  wine-sellers 
and  others,  who  administered  to  the  irregularities,  as  well 
as  to  the  wants  of  the  good  people  of  Bagdad.  For  a 
short  time  they  wandered  up  and  down  without  meeting 
anybody  -,  but  passing  through  a  narrow  alley,  their  steps 
"were  arrested  by  the  sound  of  a  most  potent  pair  of  lungs, 
carolling  forth  a  jovial  song.  The  caliph  waited  awhile, 
in  expectation  of  its  ceasing  •,  but  he  might  apparently 
have  waited  until  dawn  of  day,  for  verse  was  poured  forth 
after  verse :  a  small  interval  between  them  filled  up  by 
the  musical  gurghng  of  liquor  from  a  bottle,  and  the 
gulps  of  the  votary  of  Bacchus.  At  length,  his  patience 
being  exhausted,  the  caliph  ordered  Mesrour  to  knock 
loudly  at  the  singer's  dwelling.  Hearing  the  noise,  the 
fellow  opened  the  jalouise,  and  came  out  into  the  verandah 
above.  Looking  down,  and  perceiving  the  three  in- 
terrupters of  his  mirth,  he  bawled  out — "What  rascals 
•are  you  that  disturb  an  honest  man  at  his  devotions  ? — 
Begone  ! — fly  ! — away  with  you,  scum  of  the  earth  !  " 

"  Truly,  charitable  sir,"  replied  GiafFar  in  a  humble 
tone,  "We  are  distressed  merchants,  strangers  in  this 
city,  who  have  lost  our  way,  and  fear  to  be  seized  by  the 
watch — perhaps  carried  before  the  cadi.  We  beseech 
thee,  therefore,  to  admit  us  within  thy  doors,  and  Allah 
will  reward  thy  humanity." 

"  Admit  you  within  my  doors  ! — not  I,  indeed.  What, 
you  wish  to  get  into  my  house  to  gormandise  and  swill 
at  my  expense.     Go — go  !  " 

The  caliph  laughed  heartily  at  this  reply,  and  then 
called  out  to  the  man,  "Indeed  we  are  merchants,  and 
seek  but  for  shelter  till  the  hour  of  prayer." 


298  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

'*  Tell  me,  then,"  replied  the  man,  "  and  mind  you 
tell  me  the  truth.  Have  you  eaten  and  drunk  your  fill 
for  the  night  ?  " 

"Thanks  and  praise  be  to  Allah,  we  have  supped 
long  since,  and  heartily,"  returned  the  caliph. 

"Since  that  is  the  case,  you  may  come  up,  but  recollect 
it  is  upon  one  condition,  that  you  bind  yourselves  not  to 
open  your  lips  whatever  you  may  see  me  do  j  no  matter 
whether  it  please  you  or  not." 

"What  you  desire  is  so  reasonable,"  called  out  the 
caliph,  "  that  we  should  be  ignorant  as  Yaboos,  if  we  did 
not  at  once  comply." 

The  man  gave  one  more  scrutinising  glance  at  the 
pretended  merchants ;  and  then,  as  if  satisfied,  descended 
and  opened  his  door.  The  caliph  and  his  attendants 
followed  him  up  to  his  room,  where  they  found  a  table 
laid  out  for  supper,  on  which  was  a  large  pitcher  of  wine, 
half  a  roasted  kid,  a  bottle  of  rakee,  preserves,  confections, 
and  various  kinds  of  fruit ;  odoriferous  flowers  were  also 
on  the  table,  and  the  lighting  up  of  the  room  was  brilliant. 
The  host,  immediately  on  their  entering,  tossed  off  a. 
bumper  of  wine,  as  if  to  make  up  for  the  time  he  had  lost, 
and  pointing  to  a  corner,  bade  the  intruders  to  sit  down 
there,  and  not  to  disturb  him  any  more.  He  commenced 
his  solitary  feast,  and  after  another  bumper  of  wine, 
as  if  tired  of  his  own  company,  he  gruffly  demanded, 
"Where  do  you  fellows  come  from,  and  whither  are  you 
going  ?  " 

"Sir,"  replied  Giaffar,  who  had  been  whispering  with 
the  caliph,  "  we  are  merchants  of  Moussul,  who  have  been 
to  an  entertainment  at  the  country  seat  of  a  khan  of  Bagdad. 
We  feasted  well,  and  left  our  friend  just  as  the  day  closed 
in.  Whereupon  we  lost  our  way,  and  found  ourselves  in 
this  street ;  hearing  the  musical  accents  of  your  voice,  we 
exclaimed,  *  Are  not  those  notes  delightful  ? — one  who  has 
so  sweet  a  voice  must  be  equally  sweet  in  disposition.  Let 
us  entreat  the  hospitality  of  our  brother  for  the  remainder 
of  the  night,  and  in  the  morning  we  will  depart  in  peace.' " 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  299 

"  I  do  not  believe  a  word  that  you  have  said,  you  ill- 
looking  thief.  You  are  spies  or  thieves,  who  would  profit 
by  getting  into  people's  houses  at  unseasonable  hours. 
You,  barrel-stomach,  you  with  whiskers  like  a  bear," 
continued  he  to  the  vizier,  "  hang  me  if  ever  I  saw  such 
a  rascally  face  as  yours ;  and  you,  you  black-faced  nigger, 
keep  the  whites  of  your  eyes  off  my  supper-table,  or  by 
Allah  I'll  send  you  all  to  Jehanum.  I  see  you  are  longing 
to  put  your  fingers  on  the  kid :  but  if  you  do,  I've  a  bone- 
softener,  which,  by  the  blessed  Prophet,  shall  break  every 
bone  in  your  three  skins."  So  saying  the  man,  taking  a 
large  cudgel  from  the  corner  of  the  room,  laid  it  by  the 
dish  of  kid,  into  which  he  then  plunged  his  fingers,  and 
commenced  eating  heartily. 

"  GiafFar,"  said  the  caliph,  in  an  undertone,  "  contrive 
to  find  out  who  this  ferocious  animal  may  be,  and  how  he 
contrives  to  live  so  merrily  ^  " 

"  In  the  name  of  Allah,  let  us  leave  him  alone,"  replied 
GiafFar,  in  a  fright,  "  for  should  he  strike  us  on  the  head 
with  that  cudgel,  we  should  be  despatched  without  anyone 
being  the  wiser." 

"  Pish  !  fear  nothing,"  replied  the  caliph.  "  Ask  him 
boldly  his  name  and  trade." 

"  Oh,  my  Commander,"  replied  GiafFar,  "  to  hear  is  but 
to  obey,  yet  do  I  quake  most  grievously  at  the  threats  of 
this  villainous  fellow.  I  entreat  thee  that  I  may  defer  the 
questions  until  wine  shall  have  softened  down  his  temper," 

"  Thou  cowardly  vizier.  Must  I  then  interrogate  him 
myself .''  "  replied  the  caliph. 

"  Allah  forbid,"  replied  GiafFar ;  "I  will  myself  en- 
counter the  wrath  of  this  least  of  dogs,  may  his  grave 
be  defiled." 

During  this  parley,  their  host,  who  had  become  more 
good-humoured  in  his  cups,  cast  his  eyes  upon  them. 

"  What  in  the  name  of  Shitan,  are  you  chaps  prating  and 
chatting  about  ^  "  inquired  he. 

GiafFar,  perceiving  him  in  a  more  favourable  mood, 
seized  the  occasion  to  speak.     *'  Most  amiable  and  charit- 


300  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

able  sir,"  replied  he,  "  we  were  talking  of  your  great 
liberality  and  kindness  in  thus  permitting  us  to  intrude 
upon  your  revels.  We  only  request,  in  the  name  of 
friendship,  the  name  and  profession  of  so  worthy  a 
Mussulman,  that  we  may  remember  him  in  our  prayers.'* 

"  Why,  thou  impudent  old  porpus  ;  did  you  not  promise 
to  ask  no  questions  ^  In  the  name  of  friendship  !  Truly 
it  is  of  long  standing." 

"  Still  I  pray  Allah  that  it  may  increase.  Have  we  not 
sat  a  considerable  time  in  your  blessed  presence — have  you 
not  given  us  refuge  ?  All  we  now  ask  is  the  name  and 
profession  of  one  so  amiable  and  so  kind-hearted  ?  " 

**  Enough,"  replied  the  host,  pacified  with  the  pretended 
humility  of  the  vizier.  "  Silence,  and  listen.  Do  you  see 
that  skin  which  hangs  over  my  head  ? "  The  caliph  and 
his  companions  looked  up  and  perceived  the  tanned  skin  of 
a  young  ox,  which  appeared  to  have  been  used  for  carrying 
v/ater.  "It  is  that  by  which  I  gain  my  daily  bread.  I  am 
Yussuf,  son  of  Aboo  Ayoub,  who  dying  some  five  years 
ago,  left  me  nothing  but  a  few  dirhems  and  this  strong 
carcass  of  mine,  by  which  to  gain  a  livelihood.  I  was  always 
fond  of  sports  and  pastimes — overthrew  everybody  who 
wrestled  with  me  ;  nay,  the  man  who  affronts  me,  receives  a 
box  on  the  ear  which  makes  it  ring  for  a  week  afterwards." 

"  Allah  preserve  us  from  affronting  him ! "  whispered 
the  caliph. 

"  When  old  Aboo  died,  I  perceived,  if  I  did  not  speedily 
turn  my  strength  to  some  account,  I  should  starve  ;  so  it 
struck  me  that  there  were  no  people  more  merry  than  the 
water-carriers,  who  supply  for  a  few  paras  to  the  houses 
of  this  city  the  soft  water  of  the  river.  I  resolved  to  become 
one,  but  instead  of  going  backwards  and  forwards  with  a 
goatskin  on  my  shoulders,  I  went  down  to  the  curriers,  and 
selected  the  soft  skin  of  the  young  ox  which  hangs  above 
me,  fitted  it  to  my  shoulders,  and  filling  it  at  the  river, 
marched  up  to  the  bazaar.  No  sooner  did  I  appear  than 
all  the  water-carriers  called  out,  *  That  villain,  Yussuf,  is 
about  to  take  away  our  bread.     May  Shitan  seize  him. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  301 

Let  us  go  to  the  cadi  and  complain.'  The  cadi  listened  to 
their  story,  for  they  accused  me  of  witchcraft,  saying  that 
no  five  men  could  lift  the  skin  when  it  was  full.  He  sent 
one  of  his  beeldars  to  summon  me  before  him.  I  had  just 
filled  my  skin  at  the  river,  when  the  officer  came  from  this 
distributor  of  bastinadoes.  I  followed  him  to  the  court, 
laden  as  I  was.  The  crowd  opened  to  let  me  pass,  and  I 
appeared  before  the  cadi,  who  was  much  astonished  at  my 
showing  so  little  inconvenience  from  such  an  enormous 
burthen.  *  Oh !  Yussuf,'  cried  he,  *  hear  and  answer ;. 
thou  art  accused  of  witchcraft.'  *Who  accuses  me,  O 
cadi  ? '  replied  I,  throwing  down  my  skin  of  water. 
Whereupon  two  hang-dogs  stepped  forward,  and  cried 
with  loud  voices,  *  Behold  us  here,  O  wise  and  just  one.' 
The  cadi  put  one  aside,  and  questioned  the  other,  who 
swore  on  the  book  that  the  devil  had  given  me  a  pigs  skin. 
and  had  promised  that  as  long  as  I  served  the  followers  of 
the  Prophet  out  of  the  unclean  vessel,  he  would  enable  me 
to  carry  as  much  as  ten  men.  The  second  witness  con- 
firmed this  evidence ;  and  added,  that  he  heard  me  talking 
with  the  devil,  who  offered  to  turn  himself  into  a  yaboo, 
and  carry  water  for  me,  which  I  had  civilly  declined,  for 
what  reason  he  knew  not,  as  he  did  not  hear  the  rest  of  the 
conversation. 

"  At  this  evidence,  the  cadi  and  mollahs  who  sat  with 
him,  turned  up  their  eyes  with  horror,  and  proceeded 
to  discuss  the  degree  of  punishment  which  so  enormous  a 
crime  deserved,  quite  forgetting  to  ask  me  if  I  had  anything 
to  offer  in  my  defence.  At  last  they  settled  that,  as  a 
commencement,  I  should  receive  five  hundred  bastinadoes 
on  the  soles  of  my  feet,  and  if  I  lived,  about  as  many  more 
on  my  belly.  The  cadi  was  about  to  pronounce  his  irrevoc- 
abley^/r*^,  when  I  took  the  liberty  of  interrupting  this  rapid 
course  of  justice.  *  O  cadi,'  said  I,  *  and  ye,  mollahs, 
whose  beards  drop  wisdom,  let  your  slave  offer,  at  the 
footstool  of  justice,  the  precious  proofs  of  innocence.' 
*  Produce  them  quickly,  then,  thou  wedded  to  Shitan  and 
Jehanum,'  replied  the  cadi.     Whereupon  I  loosened   the 


302  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

string  which  attached  the  mouth,  and  allowed  all  the 
water  to  run  out  of  the  skin.  I  then  turned  the  skin  inside 
out,  and  showing  to  them  the  horns  of  the  young  ox, 
which  fortunately  I  had  not  cut  off,  I  demanded  of  the 
cadi  and  of  the  mollahs  if  any  of  them  had  ever  seen  a  pig 
with  horns.  At  this  they  every  one  fell  a  laughing,  as  if  I 
had  uttered  a  cream  of  a  joke.  My  innocence  was  declared, 
and  my  two  accusers  had  the  five  hundred  bastinadoes 
shared  between  them.  The  water-carriers  were  too  much 
alarmed  at  the  result  of  this  attempt,  to  attack  me  any 
more,  and  the  true  believers,  from  the  notoriety  of  the 
charge,  and  my  acquittal  of  having  rendered  them  unclean, 
from  the  use  of  swinish  skin,  all  sought  my  custom.  In 
short,  I  have  only  to  fill  my  skin,  to  empty  it  again,  and  I 
daily  realise  so  handsome  an  income,  that  I  have  thrown 
care  to  the  dogs,  and  spend  in  jollity  every  night  what 
I  have  worked  hard  for  every  day.  As  soon  as  the 
muezzin  calls  to  evening  prayers,  I  lay  aside  my  skin, 
iDetake  myself  to  the  mosque,  perform  my  ablutions,  and 
return  thanks  to  Allah.  After  which  I  repair  to  the  bazaar, 
purchase  meat  with  one  dirhem,  rakee  with  another,  others 
go  for  fruit  and  flowers,  cakes,  sweetmeats,  bread,  oil  for 
my  lamps,  and  the  remainder  I  spend  in  wine.  As  soon  as 
all  is  collected,  I  arrive  at  my  own  house,  put  everything 
in  order,  light  up  my  lamps  and  enjoy  myself  after  my  own 
fashion.  So  now  you  know  all  I  choose  to  tell  you,  and 
whether  you  are  merchants  or  spies  in  disguise,  I  care  not. 
Be  satisfied  and  depart,  for  the  dawn  is  here," 

The  caliph,  who  had  been  much  amused  with  Yussuf's 
account  of  himself,  replied,  **  In  truth,  you  are  a  wonderful 
man,  and  it  must  be  allowed  that,  in  separating  yourself 
from  your  fellows,  you  escape  many  troubles  and  incon- 
veniences." 

"  Ay,"  replied  Yussuf ;  "  thus  have  I  lived  for  five  years. 
Every  night  has  my  dwelling  been  lighted  up  as  you  see  it, 
and  my  fortunate  stars  have  never  suffered  me  to  go 
without  meat  and  drink,  such  as  you  three  now  smell  and 
long  for,  but  shall  not  put  your  fingers  to." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  303 

"  But,  friend  Yussuf,"  observed  GiafFar,  "  suppose  that 
to-morrow,  the  caliph  should  issue  a  decree,  putting  an 
end  to  the  trade  of  supplying  with  water,  and  declare  that 
whoever  was  found  with  a  skin-full  should  be  hanged. 
In  such  a  case,  what  would  you  do  ?  You  could  not  light 
up  your  lamps  ;  you  could  not  enjoy  your  kabobs  and 
pillau,  neither  would  you  be  able  to  purchase  fruits,  sweet- 
meats, or  a  drop  of  wine." 

**  May  Shitan  seize  your  unlucky  soul,  you  tun-bellied 
beast  of  ill-omen !  for  the  bare  supposition  of  such  a  thing ; 
depart — depart  quickly,  and  never  let  me  see  you  again." 

"  My  good  friend,  Yussuf,  I  did  but  jest ;  five  years,  as 
you  observe,  have  passed  away  without  a  day's  intermis- 
sion of  your  enjoyment,  nor  is  it  probable  that  the  caliph 
will  ever  issue  such  a  ridiculous  and  unheard-of  decree. 
I  only  observed,  that  supposing  he  did,  what  could  you  do, 
never  leaving  a  single  asper  for  the  next  day's  provision  ? " 

At  the  repetition  of  the  vizier's  speech,  Yussuf  became 
highly  exasperated.  **  You  dare  to  repeat  to  me  your 
unlucky  words  and  ill-omens, — and  you  ask  me  what  I 
would  do  !  Now  hear  me  :  by  the  beard  of  the  Prophet, 
should  the  caliph  issue  such  a  decree,  with  this  good 
cudgel  I  will  search  all  Bagdad,  until  I  find  you  all.  You, 
and  you,"  continued  Yussuf,  looking  fiercely  at  the 
caliph  and  the  vizier,  "  I  will  beat  until  you  are  as  black 
as  he  is  (pointing  to  Mesrour),  and  him  I  will  cudgel  until 
he  is  as  white  as  the  flesh  of  the  kid  I  have  been  regaling 
on.     Depart  at  once,  you  shall  no  longer  pollute  my  roof." 

The  caliph  was  so  much  diverted  with  the  anger  of 
Yussuf,  and  yet  in  such  dread  of  showing  it,  that  he  was 
obliged  to  thrust  the  end  of  his  robe  into  his  mouth,  as 
they  walked  out  under  a  shower  of  curses  from  the  water- 
carrier. 

"  By  the  sword  of  the  Prophet,  but  they  were  well  out 
of  this  scrape  !  "  observed  the  pacha.  "  May  the  grave  of 
the  rascal's  mother  be  defiled !  to  offer  to  cudgel  the  vice- 
regent  of  the  Prophet." 


304  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  The  caliph  was  in  disguise,  and  Yussuf  knew  him 
not,"  replied  Mustapha. 

**  Those  who  threaten  me  in  disguise,  will  find  that  no- 
excuse,  we  swear  by  our  beard,"  replied  the  pacha. 
"  Proceed  Menouni." 

It  was  daylight  before  the  great  Haroun  re-entered  the 
secret  gate  of  the  seraglio,  and  retired  to  his  couch. 
After  a  short  slumber  he  arose,  performed  his  ablutions, 
and  proceeded  to  the  divan,  where  he  found  the  principal 
officers  of  his  court,  the  viziers,  omras,  and  grandees, 
assembled  to  receive  him  ;  his  imagination,  however,  still 
dwelt  upon  the  events  of  the  preceding  night,  and  after 
the  ordinary  business  of  the  day  had  been  transacted,  and 
the  petitioners  who  attended  had  been  dismissed,  he  called 
for  his  grand  vizier,  who  presented  himself  with  the 
customary  obeisances. 

"  Giaffar,"  said  the  caliph,  **  issue  a  decree  to  the 
governor  of  the  city  that  it  be  proclaimed  throughout  the 
streets  of  Bagdad,  that  no  person  whatever,  shall,  for  the 
space  of  three  days,  carry  water  from  the  river  to  the 
bazaars  for  sale,  and  that  whoever  trespasses  shall  be 
hanged." 

The  governor,  Khalid  ben  Talid,  immediately  that  he 
received  the  fetva,  took  the  proper  measures  to  have  it 
promulgated.  Heralds  were  despatched  throughout  the 
various  quarters  of  the  city,  who  proclaimed  the  will  of 
the  caliph.     The  people  wondered,  but  submitted. 

Yussuf,  who  had  performed  his  morning  devotions,  had 
reached  the  banks  of  the  Tigris,  and  just  filled,  and 
hoisted  on  his  shoulders,  his  ox-skin  of  water,  when  the 
appearance  of  one  of  the  heralds  attracted  his  attention ; 
he  listened  to  the  legal  proclamation,  and  let  down  his 
ox-skin  with  a  curse  upon  all  merchants  of  Moussul. 

"Confusion  to  the  scoundrels,  who  last  night  prophesied 
such  an  unlucky  event !  If  I  could  but  lay  hands  upon 
them  !  "  exclaimed  Yussuf.  "  They  did  but  hint  it,  and 
behold,  it  is  done." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  305 

"Whilst  Yussuf  was  thus  lamenting  over  his  empty 
water-skin,  some  of  the  other  water-carriers  came  up,  and 
began  to  console  him  after  the  fashion  of  Job's  comforters. 

"  Surely,"  said  one,  "  you  need  not  be  troubled  at  this 
edict,  you  gain  more  than  any  five  of  us  every  day,  and  you 
have  no  wife  nor  child  to  provide  for.  But  I,  wretched 
man  that  I  am,  will  have  the  misery  of  beholding  my  wife 
and  children  starving  before  the  expiration  of  the  three 
days." 

Another  said,  "  Be  comforted,  Yussuf,  three  days  will 
soon  pass  away,  and  then  you  will  relish  your  kabobs  and 
your  rakee,  your  sweetmeats  and  your  wine,  with  greater 
pleasure,  having  been  so  long  deprived  of  them." 

"  Besides,"  added  a  third,  "  you  must  not  forget, 
Yussuf,  that  the  prophet  has  declared  that  a  man  is  eternally 
damned,  body  and  soul,  who  is  constantly  drunk  as  you 
are." 

These  observations  kindled  YussuPs  bile  to  that  degree, 
that  he  was  nearly  venting  his  spleen  upon  his  sarcastic 
consolers.  He  turned  away,  however,  in  his  rage,  and 
throwing  his  empty  skin  over  his  shoulders,  proceeded 
slowly  towards  the  mosque  of  Zobeide,  cursing  as  he 
went  along,  all  Moussul  merchants  down  to  the  fiftieth 
generation.  Passing  the  great  baths,  he  was  accosted  by 
one  of  the  attendants  with  whom  he  was  intimate,  who 
inquired,  why  he  was  so  depressed  in  spirits. 

"  That  cold-blooded  caliph  of  ours,  Haroun  Alraschid, 
has  put  an  end  to  my  earnings  for  three  days,  by  threaten- 
ing to  hang  any  water-carrier  who  shall  carry  his  load  to 
the  bazaar.  You  know,  my  friend,  that  I  never  have  put 
by  a  single  para,  and  I  fear  that  in  three  days  my  carcase 
will  become  shrivelled  with  famine,  and  dried  up  for  the 
want  of  a  cup  of  rakee." 

"  Which  thou  hast  often  divided  with  me  before  now," 
replied  the  other  ;  "so  even  now  will  I  divide  my  work 
with  you,  Yussuf.  Follow  me,  if  you  do  not  object  to 
the  employment,  which  requires  little  more  than  strength, 
and,  by  Allah,  you  have  that,  and  to  spare.  Surely,  upon 
p  u 


3o6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

a  pinch  like  this,  you  can  take  up  a  hair-bag,  and  a  lump 
of  soap,  and  scrub  and  rub  the  bodies  of  the  true  believers. 
Those  hands  of  yours,  so  enormous  and  so  fleshy,  are  well 
calculated  to  knead  the  muscles  and  twist  the  joints  of  the 
faithful.  Come,  you  shall  work  with  us  during  these 
three  days  at  the  hummaum,  and  then  you  can  return  to 
your  old  business." 

"Thy  words  of  comfort  penetrate  deep  into  my  bosom," 
replied  Yussuf,  "and  I  follow  thee." 

The  bath-rubber  then  took  him  in,  bound  an  apron 
round  his  waist,  and  lent  him  a  bag,  three  razors,  pumice- 
stone  for  scrubbing  the  soles  of  the  feet,  a  hair  bag,  and  a 
sponge.  Having  caparisoned  and  furnished  him  with 
implements,  he  led  Yussuf  into  the  apartment  where  was 
the  reservoir  of  hot  water,  and  desired  him  to  wait  for  a 
customer.  Yussuf  had  not  long  sat  down  on  the  edge  of 
the  marble  bath,  when  he  was  summoned  to  perform  his 
duties  on  a  hadji  who,  covered  with  dust  and  dirt,  had 
evidently  just  returned  from  a  tedious  pilgrimage. 

Yussuf  set  to  work  with  spirit ;  seizing  the  applicant 
with  one  hand,  he  stripped  him  with  the  other,  and  first 
operated  upon  the  shaven  crown  with  his  razor.  The 
hadji  was  delighted  with  the  energy  of  his  attendant. 
Having  scraped  his  head  as  clean  as  he  could  with  an 
indifferent  razor,  Yussuf  then  soaped  and  lathered, 
scrubbed  and  sponged  the  skin  of  the  pilgrim,  until  it  was 
as  smooth  and  glossy  as  the.  back  of  a  raven.  He  then 
wiped  him  dry,  and  taking  his  seat  upon  the  backbone  of 
his  customer,  he  pinched  and  squeezed  all  his  flesh, 
thumped  his  limbs,  twisted  every  joint  till  they  cracked 
like  faggots  in  a  blaze,  till  the  poor  hadji  was  almost 
reduced  to  a  mummy  by  the  vigour  of  the  water-carrier, 
and  had  just  breath  enough  in  his  body  to  call  out,  "Cease, 
cease,  for  the  love  of  Allah — I  am  dead,  I  am  gone." 
Having  said  this,  the  poor  man  fell  back  nearly  senseless. 
Yussuf  was  very  much  alarmed  ;  he  lifted  up  the  man, 
poured  warm  water  over  him,  wiped  him  dry,  and  laid  him 
on  the  ottoman  to  repose,  covering  him  up.     The  hadji 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  307 

fell  into  a  sound  slumber,  and  in  half  an  hour  awoke  so 
refreshed  and  revived,  that  he  declared  himself  quite  a 
new  man. 

"  It  is  only  to  hadjis,"  observed  Yussuf,  "  that  I  give 
this  great  proof  of  my  skill." 

The  man  put  his  hand  into  his  pocket,  pulled  out  three 
dirhems,  and  presented  them  to  Yussuf,  who  was  astounded 
at  such  liberality,  and  again  expressing  his  satisfaction,  the 
hadji  left  the  hummaum.  Delighted  with  his  success, 
Yussuf  continued  his  occupation,  and  attended  with 
alacrity  every  fresh  candidate  for  his  joint-twisting  skilL 
By  the  time  that  evening  prayers  commenced,  he  had 
kneaded  to  mummies  half  a  dozen  more  true  believers,  and 
had  received  his  six  dirhems,  upon  which  he  determined  ta 
leave  off  for  that  day. 

Having  left  the  bath,  he  dressed  himself,  went  home, 
took  his  leathern  pitcher,  dish,  and  basket,  and  went  to 
the  bazaar,  where  he  purchased  a  piece  of  mutton,  and 
left  it  at  the  most  noted  kabob-makers  in  the  district  to  be 
cooked  J  he  then  purchased  his  wine  and  rakee,  wax 
tapers,  and  flowers,  pistachio-nuts,  dried  fruit,  bread,  and 
oil  for  his  lamps.  When  he  had  completed  his  purchases 
he  called  at  the  cook's  shop,  where  he  found  his  mutton 
nicely  kabobed,  and  smoking  in  the  dish.  Paying  the 
cook,  and  putting  it  into  his  basket,  he  hastened  home 
over  the  bridge  of  boats,  exulting  in  his  good  fortune. 
When  he  arrived,  he  swept  out  his  room,  dressed  himself 
in  better  clothes,  lighted  his  lamps,  spread  out  his  table, 
and  then  squatted  himself  down,  with  his  legs  twisted 
under  him,  and  tossing  off  a  bumper  of  wine,  he  exclaimed, 
*^Well,  I  am  lucky;  nevertheless,  here's  confusion  to  all 
Moussul  merchants,  with  their  vile  omens.  Allah  send 
their  unlucky  footsteps  here  to-night — that's  all." 

Here  Menouni  stopped,  and  made  his  salaam.  "  May  it 
please  your  highness  to  permit  your  slave  to  retire  for  the 
night,  for  the  tale  of  Yussuf,  the  water-carrier,  cannot  be 
imparted  to  your  highness  in  one  evening." 


3o8  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

The  pacha,  although  much  amused,  was  also  a  little 
tired.  "Be  it  so,  good  Menouni,  but  recollect,  Mustapha, 
that  the  caravan  must  not  depart  until  I  hear  the  end  of 
this  story." 

"  Be  chesm,  on  my  eyes  be  it,"  replied  Mustapha  j  and 
they  all  retired  for  the  night. 

"What  is  the  cause  ? "  demanded  the  pacha,  hastily,  as 
next  day  Mustapha  listened  with  apparent  patience  to  the 
long  details  of  one  of  the  petitioners  for  justice. 

"  It  is,  O  lord  of  wisdom,  a  dispute  between  these  men, 
as  to  a  sum  of  money,  which  they  received  as  guides  to  a 
Frank,  who  journeyed  into  the  interior.  The  one  was 
hired  for  the  journey,  but  not  being  well  acquainted  with 
the  road,  called  in  the  assistance  of  the  other  j  they  now 
dispute  about  the  division  of  the  money,  which  lies  at  my 
feet  in  this  bag." 

"  It  appears  that  the  one  who  was  hired  did  not  know 
the  way." 

"  Even  so,"  replied  Mustapha. 

"  Then  he  was  no  guide,  and  doth  not  deserve  the 
money.  And  the  other,  it  appears,  was  called  in  to 
assist  ?  " 

"  Thy  words  are  the  words  of  wisdom,"  replied 
Mustapha. 

"'  Then  was  he  not  a  guide,  but  only  an  assistant ; 
neither  can  he  be  entitled  to  the  money,  as  guide.  By  the 
beard  of  the  Prophet,  justice  must  not  be  fooled  thus,  and 
the  divan,  held  in  our  presence,  be  made  foolish  by  such 
complaints.  Let  the  money  be  distributed  among  the 
poor,  and  let  them  each  have  fifty  bastinadoes  on  the  soles 
of  the  feet.     I  have  said  it." 

"Wallah  Thaib — it  is  well  said,"  replied  Mustapha,  as 
the  two  disputants  were  removed  from  the  presence. 

"  Now  call  Menouni,"  said  the  pacha,  "for  I  am 
anxious  to  hear  the  story  of  Yussuf,  and  the  future  pro- 
ceedings of  the  caliph ;  and  a  part  of  this  bag  of  money 
will  reward  him  for  the  honey  which  falls  from  his  lips." 

Menouni  made  his  appearance,  and  his  obeisance  ;  the 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  309 

pacha  and  Mustapha  received  their  pipes  from  the  Greek 
slave,  and  the  Kessehgou  then  proceeded  with  his  story. 

The  great  caliph,  Haroun  Alraschid,  had  as  usual  held 
his  afternoon  audience  ;  the  court  was  dismissed.  Haroun, 
whose  whole  thoughts  were  upon  the  bankrupt  condition 
of  Yussuf,  and  who  was  anxious  to  know  how  he  had  got 
on  after  the  fetva  had  been  promulgated,  sent  for  his 
vizier,  GiafFar.  "  I  wish  to  ascertain,"  said  the  caliph  to 
the  vizier,  "  if  the  unlucky  Yussuf  has  managed  to  provide 
for  his  bacchanalian  revels  to-night  ? " 

*'  There  can  be  no  doubt,  O  vice-regent  of  the  Prophet," 
replied  GiafFar,  "  that  the  young  man  is  seated  in  the  dark, 
in  a  most  dismal  mood,  without  either  wine  or  kabob,  or 
aught  to  comfort  him." 

"  Send  for  Mesrour,  then ;  we  will  again  resume  our 
disguises,  and  pay  him  a  visit." 

"  Let  the  humblest  of  your  slaves,"  interposed  GiafFar, 
in  a  great  fright,  **  represent  at  the  footstool  of  your  high- 
ness a  true  picture  of  what  we  may  anticipate.  Doubtless 
this  lion-slayer  of  Shitan,  being  famished,  will  not  forget 
our  prophecy,  and  ascribing  its  fulfilment  to  our  bad  omens, 
will,  in  his  mood,  sacrifice  us  to  his  empty  stomach. 

"  Your  wisdom  is  great,  GiafFar,"  replied  the  caliph  ;  "the 
man  is  truly  a  savage,  and  doubtless  will  rage  with  hunger, 
nevertheless,  we  will  go  and  see  in  what  state  he  may  be," 

GiafFar  trembled  at  the  idea  of  being  subjected  to  the 
wrath  of  such  a  fellow  as  Yussuf,  but  made  no  reply. 
He  went  for  Mesrour  and  the  dresses,  and  having  put  them 
on,  they  all  three  issued  forth  from  the  private  gate  of  the 
seraglio.  They  had  nearly  reached  the  end  of  the  narrow 
lane  in  which  Yussuf  s  house  was  situated,  when  the  strong 
reflection  of  the  lights  from  the  windows  told  them  that, 
at  all  events,  he  was  not  lamenting  his  hard  fate  in  darkness  ; 
and  as  they  approached,  the  sound  of  his  jovial  voice  proved 
also  that  it  was  neither  in  silence  that  he  submitted  to  his 
destiny.  As  they  came  under  the  window,  he  ceased 
singing,  and   ejaculated   a  loud   curse  upon  all  Moussul 


310  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  -' 

merchants,  wishing  that  he  might  only  see  them  once 
again  before  the  devil  had  them.  The  caliph  laughed  at 
this  pious  wish,  and  taking  up  a  handful  of  pebbles,  threw 
them  at  the  jalousies  of  Yussuf's  windows. 

"  Who  the  devil  is  there  ?  "  roared  the  water-carrier ; 
"  is  it  you,  ye  bankrupt  vagabonds,  who  have  annoyed  me  ? 
Begone,  or  by  the  sword  of  the  Prophet,  I'll  impale  you  all 
three  on  my  broomstick." 

"  Dost  thou  not  know  us,  Yussuf  ?  "  replied  the  caliph  ; 
"we  are  your  friends,  and  once  more  request  admission 
under  thy  hospitable  roof." 

Yussuf  came  out  into  the  verandah.  "  Oh  !  it  is  you, 
then ;  now  take  my  advice, — go  in  peace.  I  am  now  in 
good  humour,  and  peaceably  disposed  ;  but  had  I  fallen  in 
with  you  to-day,  I  would  have  twisted  oiF  your  necks." 

"  Nay,  good  Yussuf,"  replied  GiafFar,  "  we  have  heard 
of  the  unaccountable  and  mad  decree  of  the  caliph,  and 
have  called  to  know  how  thou  hast  fared,  and  if  we  can  be 
of  service  to  one  so  hospitable  and  kind." 

"  You  lie,  I  believe,"  replied  Yussuf;  "  but  I'm  in  good 
humour,  so  you  shall  come  in,  and  see  how  well  I  fare.  I 
am  Yussuf,  and  my  trust  is  in  God."  He  then  went 
down  and  admitted  them,  and  they  viewed  with  surprise 
the  relics  of  the  feast.  "  Now,  then,"  observed  Yussuf, 
who  was  more  than  half  drunk,  "  you  know  my  conditions  ; 
there  is  my  meat,  there  is  my  wine,  there  is  my  fruit ;  not 
a  drop  or  a  taste  shall  you  have.  Keep  your  confounded 
sharp  eyes  off  my  sweetmeats,  you  black-bearded  rascal," 
continued  Yussuf,  addressing  the  caliph.  "  You  have  your 
share  of  them." 

"  Indeed,  most  hospitable  sir,  we  covet  not  your 
delicacies  :  all  we  wish  to  know  is  the  reason  of  this  un- 
heard of  decree,  and  how  you  have  contrived  to  supply  your 
usual  merry  table." 

"  You  shall  hear,"  replied  the  water-carrier.  "  My 
name  is  Yussuf,  and  my  trust  is  in  God.  When  the  decree 
of  the  caliph  came  to  my  ears  this  morning,  I  became  as 
one  deprived  of  sense  ;  but  wandering  near  the  hummaum 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  311 

of  GiafFar  Bermuki,  a  friendly  servant  of  the  baths  accosted 
me."  Yussuf  then  stated  how  he  had  gained  his  money, 
much  to  their  amusement.  "  Now,"  continued  he,  "I  will 
no  longer  be  a  water-carrier,  but  an  attendant  at  the  bath 
will  I  live  and  die.  May  all  evil  fall  upon  the  cold-blooded 
caliph ;  but  thanks  to  Allah,  it  never  will  enter  his  head  to 
shut  up  the  baths." 

"  But,"  observed  GiafFar,  "  suppose  the  caliph  were  to- 
morrow morning  to  take  it  into  his  head  to  shut  up  the 
baths." 

'■'■  Now,  may  all  the  ghouls  seize  thee  when  thou  visitest 
thy  father's  tomb,"  cried  Yussuf,  jumping  up  in  a  fury, 
"  thou  bear-whiskered  rascal !  Did  not  I  caution  thee  against 
evil  predictions — and  did  you  not  swear  that  you  would 
deal  no  more  in  surmises  ^  The  devil  must  attend  you, 
and  waft  your  supposes  into  the  ear  of  the  caliph,  upon 
which  to  frame  out  his  stupid  fetvas." 

"  I  heartily  ask  your  forgiveness,  and  I  am  dumb," 
replied  GiafFar. 

"  Then  you  are  wise  for  once  j  prove  yourself  still  wise, 
and  hasten  away  before  I  reach  my  cudgel." 

Perceiving  that  Yussuf's  eyes  twinkled  with  anger,  they 
thought  it  right  to  follow  his  advice.  "  We  shall  see  you 
again,  good  Yussuf,"  said  the  caliph,  as  they  descended. 

'*  To  the  devil  with  you  all  three,  and  never  let  me  see 
your  ugly  faces  again,"  replied  the  water-carrier,  slamming 
the  door  after  they  were  out.  The  caliph  went  away  much 
amused,  and  with  his  attendants,  entered  the  private  gate 
of  the  seraglio. 

The  next  morning  the  caliph  held  a  solemn  divan,  at 
which  all  the  mollahs,  as  well  as  all  the  chief  officers,  were 
present,  and  he  issued  a  decree,  that  every  bath  through- 
out Bagdad  should  be  shut  for  three  days,  on  pain  of  im- 
palement. The  inhabitants  of  Bagdad  were  swallowed  up 
with  wonder  and  perplexity.  ''  How,"  exclaimed  they, 
"  what  can  this  mean  ?  Yesterday  we  were  ordered  not 
to  use  the  waters  of  the  Tigris,  to-day  the  baths  are  denied 
us.     Perhaps,  to-morrow  the  mosques  may  be  ordered  to 


312  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

be  shut  up,"  and  they  shook  their  heads,  as  if  to  hint  to 
each  other  that  the  caliph  was  not  in  his  senses ;  but  they 
exclaimed,  "  In  Allah  only  safety  is  to  be  found."  Never- 
theless, the  decree  was  enforced  by  the  proper  officers, 
who  went  round  to  the  different  baths.  First  they  closed 
the  Hummaum  Alraschid,  next  that  of  Ziet  Zobiede,  then 
the  bath  of  GiafFar  Bermuki,  at  which  Yussuf  had  found 
employment  the  day  before.  When  it  was  closed,  the 
master  and  attendants  looked  at  the  door,  and  they 
reproached  the  assistants,  who  had  befriended  Yussuf, 
saying,  he  was  a  water-carrier,  and  the  business  was 
stopped  by  a  decree.  You  have  brought  him  to  the  baths, 
and  now  they  are  shut.  In  the  meantime,  Yussuf  was 
perceived  striding  towards  the  bath,  muttering  to  himself, 
"  I  am  Yussuf;  my  trust  is  in  God.  As  an  assistant  at  the 
hummaum  will  I  live  and  die."  Ignorant  of  the  decree,  he 
approached  the  door  of  the  building,  round  which  the 
servants  were  clustered,  and  accosted  them.  "  How  now, 
my  friends,  do  you  wait  for  the  key  ?  if  anything  ails  the 
lock,  trust  to  the  strength  of  Yussuf." 

"  Have  you  not  heard  that  the  caliph  has  ordered  the 
baths  to  be  shut  for  three  days,  on  pain  of  impalement  ? " 

Yussuf  started  back  with  astonishment.  "Now,  may 
the  graves  of  their  fathers  be  eternally  defiled — those  con- 
founded Moussul  Merchants !  Their  supposes  always 
come  to  pass.  I  will  seek  them  out  and  be  revenged." 
So  saying,  Yussuf,  who  had  come  prepared  with  his 
brushes,  razors,  and  soap,  turned  off  in  a  rage,  and 
hastened  through  the  streets  for  an  hour  or  two,  looking 
at  every  passenger,  to  ascertain  if  he  could  find  those  upon 
whom  he  would  have  wreaked  his  vengeance. 

After  a  long  walk,  Yussuf  sat  down  on  a  large  stone. 
**Well,"  said  he,  "I  am  still  Yussuf,  and  my  trust  is  in 
God  ;  but  it  would  be  better,  instead  of  looking  after  these 
rascals,  if  I  were  to  look  out  for  some  means  of  providing 
myself  with  a  supper  to-night."  So  saying,  he  rose,  went 
home,  put  on  some  clothes  of  better  materials,  and  twisting 
up  his  red  cotton  sash  for  a  turban,  he  took  up  his  praying- 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  313 

carpet,  with  a  determination  to  go  to  the  bazaar  and  sell  it 
for  what  it  would  fetch.  As  he  passed  the  mosque  of 
Hosein,  he  observed  several  mollahs,  reading  and  ex- 
pounding the  more  abstruse  passages  of  the  Koran. 
Yussuf  knelt  and  prayed  awhile,  and  returning  to  the  door 
of  the  mosque  he  was  accosted  by  a  woman,  who  appeared 
to  be  waiting  for  some  one.  "Pious  sir,"  said  she,  "I 
perceive  by  your  goodly  habit  and  appearance  that  you  are 
one  of  the  cadi's  law  officers," 

**I  am  as  you  please — I  am  Yussuf,  and  my  trust  is  in 
God." 

"  Oh  !  my  hadji,  then  become  my  protector.  I  have  an 
unjust  debtor  who  refuses  me  my  due." 

"  You  cannot  intrust  a  better  person,"  replied  Yussuf. 
"I  am  a  strong  arm  of  the  law,  and  my  interest  at  court  is 
such  that  I  have  already  procured  two  decrees." 

"  Those   are  great  words,  O  hadji." 

"  Tell  me,  then,  who  is  this  debtor,  that  I  may  seize 
him  and  carry  him  before  the  cadi.  Haste  to  tell  me,  and 
for  a  few  dirhems  I  will  gain  your  cause,  right  or  wrong." 

"  My  complaint  is  against  my  husband,  who  has  divorced 
me,  and  notwithstanding,  refuses  me  my  dowry  of  five 
dinars,  my  clothes,  and  my  ornaments." 

"  What  is  your  husband's  trade  ? " 

**  Pious  sir,  he  is  an  embroiderer  of  papouches." 

"  Let  us  lose  no  time,  my  good  woman ;  show  me  this 
miracle  of  injustice,  and  by  Allah,  I  will  confound  him." 

Upon  this  the  woman  unbound  the  string  of  coins  from 
her  head,  and  cutting  off  three  dirhems,  presented  them  to 
Yussuf.  Yussuf  seized  the  money,  and  tucking  up  his 
sleeves,  that  he  might  appear  more  like  an  officer  he  bade 
her  to  lead  to  the  delinquent.  The  woman  led  him  to 
the  great  mosque,  where  her  husband,  a  little  shrivelled-up 
man,  was  performing  his  duties  with  great  devotion. 
Yussuf,  without  saying  a  word,  took  him  up,  carpet  and 
all,  and  was  about  to  carry  him  off. 

**In  the  name  of  the  Prophet,  to  what  class  of  madmen 
do    you    belong  ? "     screamed    the    astonished    devotee. 


314  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  Release  me ;  do  not  crush  my  poor  ribs  within  your 
grasp.  Set  me  down,  and  I  will  walk  with  you,  as  soon 
as  I  have  put  on  slippers." 

The  people  crowded  round  to  know  what  was  the 
matter.  "Ho,  ho,  that  will  presently  appear,"  replied 
Yussuf.  "His  wife  is  his  creditor,  and  I  am  her  law 
officer ;  my  demand  is,  that  you  restore  to  her  fifty  dinars, 
besides  all  the  gold  jewels  and  ornaments  she  has  had  these 
last  fifty  years." 

"  How  can  that  be,"  replied  the  little  man,  "  seeing  that 
I  am  not  forty  years  old  ? " 

"That  may  be  the  case  in  fact,"  replied  Yussuf;  "but 
law  is  a  very  difficult  thing,  as  you  will  find  out.  So  come 
along  with  me  to  the  cadi." 

The  party  then  proceeded  on  their  way  to  the  cadi,  but 
they  had  not  gone  many  yards,  when  the  papouche-maker 
whispered  to  Yussuf,  "  Most  valiant  and  powerful  sir,  I 
quarrelled  with  my  wife  last  night,  on  account  of  her 
unreasonable  jealousy.  I  did  pronounce  the  divorce,  but 
there  was  no  one  to  hear.  "If  we  slept  together  once 
more,  she  would  be  pacified.  Therefore,  most  humane 
sir,  I  entreat  you  to  interfere." 

"  Was  there  no  witness  ? "  inquired  Yussuf. 

"  None,  good  sir,"  replied  the  man,  slipping  five  direhms 
into  the  hand  of  Yussuf. 

"Then  I  decide  that  there  is  no  divorce,"  replied 
Yussuf,  pocketing  the  money,  "  and  therefore  you  are  no 
debtor.  Woman,  come  hither.  It  appears  that  there  was 
no  divorce — so  says  your  husband — and  you  have  no 
witness  to  prove  it.  You  are  therefore  no  creditor.  Go 
to  your  husband,  and  walk  home  with  him ;  he  is  not 
much  of  a  husband,  to  be  sure,  but  still  he  must  be  cheap 
at  the  three  dirhems  which  you  have  paid  me.  God  be 
with  you.     Such  is  my  decree." 

The  woman,  who  had  already  repented  of  her  divorce, 
was  glad  to  return,  and  with  many  compliments,  they  took 
their  leave  of  him.  "  By  Allah  !  "  exclaimed  Yssuf,  "  but 
this  is  good.     I  will  live  and  die  an  officer  of  the  law." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  315 

So  saying  he  returned  home  for  his  basket,  purchased  his 
provisions  and  wine,  and  Hghting  up  his  house,  passed  the 
evening  in  carousing  and  singing  as  before. 

While  Yussuf  was  thus  employed,  the  caliph  was 
desirous  of  ascertaining  the  effect  of  the  new  decree, 
relative  to  the  baths.  "  Giaffar,"  said  he,  "I  wonder 
whether  I  have  succeeded  in  making  that  wine-bibber  go 
to  bed  supperless  ?     Come,  let  us  pay  him  a  visit." 

"  For  the  sake  of  Islam,  O  caliph,"  replied  Giaffar,  "  let 
us  forbear  to  trifle  with  that  crackbrained  drunkard  any 
more.  Already  has  Allah  delivered  us  out  of  his  hands. 
What  may  we  not  expect  if  he  is  hungry  and  desolate  ? " 

**  Your  wisdom  never  grows  less,"  replied  the  caliph ; 
"  those  are  the  words  of  truth :  nevertheless,  I  must  go 
and  see  the  madman  once  more." 

Giaffar,  not  being  able  to  prevail,  prepared  the  dresses, 
and  they,  accompanied  by  Mesrour,  again  sallied  forth  by 
the  private  gate  of  the  seraglio.  Once  more  were  they 
surprised  at  witnessing  the  same  illumination  of  the  house, 
and  one  of  the  jalousies  having  burst  open  with  the  wind, 
they  perceived  the  shadow  of  Yussuf,  reflected  on  the 
wall,  his  beard  wagging  over  his  kabobs,  and  a  cup  of 
wine  in  his  hand. 

"Who  is  there?"  cried  Yussuf,  when  Giaffar,  at  the 
command  of  the  caliph,  knocked  at  the  door. 

"  Your  friends,  dear  Yussuf — your  friends,  the  Moussul 
merchants.     Peace  be  with  you." 

"  But  it's  neither  peace  nor  welcome  to  you,  you  owls," 
replied  Yussuf,  walking  out  into  the  verandah.  "  By 
Allah !  if  you  do  not  walk  away,  and  that  quickly,  I  shall 
come  down  to  you  with  my  bone  polisher." 

"  Indeed,  friend  Yussuf,"  replied  Giaffar,  "  we  have  but 
two  vsTords  to  say  to  you." 

"  Say  them  quickly,  then,  for  you  enter  not  my  doors 
again,  you  wretched  fellows,  who  have  ruined  all  the 
water-carriers  and  all  the  bath-people  in  Bagdad." 

"  What  is  that  you  mean  ? "  replied  the  caliph ;  "we 
are  lost  in  mystery." 


3i6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"What!"  replied  Yussuf:  "have  you  not  heard  the 
decree  of  this  morning  ?  " 

"  Gentle  sir,  we  have  been  so  busy  sorting  our  wares, 
that  we  have  not  stepped  out  this  day,  and  are  ignorant  of 
all  that  hath  passed  in  Bagdad." 

"  Then  you  shall  come  up  and  learn  ;  but  first  swear  by 
Moses,  Esau,  and  the  Prophet,  that  you  will  not  suppose y 
for  all  you  have  imagined  has  proved  as  true  as  if  it  had 
been  engraven  on  the  ruby  seal  of  Solomon." 

These  conditions  were  readily  accepted  by  the  caHph  and 
his  companions,  and  they  were  then  admitted  upstairs,  where 
they  found  everything  disposed  in  the  usual  order,  and  the 
same  profusion.  When  they  had  taken  their  seats  in  the 
corner  of  the  room,  Yussuf  said,  "  Now  my  guests,  as  you 
hope  for  pardon,  tell  me,  do  you  know  nothing  of  what 
has  happened  to  me  this  day — and  what  the  blockhead  of 
a  caliph  has  been  about  ? "  Haroun  and  the  vizier  could 
with  difficulty  restrain  their  laughter,  as  they  shook  their 
heads.  "  Yes,"  continued  Yussuf,  "  that  vicegerent  of  a 
tattered  beard,  and  more  tattered  understanding,  has 
issued  a  decree  for  closing  the  baths  for  three  days,  by 
which  cruel  ordinance,  I  was  again  cast  adrift  upon  the  sea 
of  necessity.  However,  Providence  stood  my  friend,  and 
threw  a  few  dirhems  in  my  way,  and  I  have  made  my 
customary  provision  in  spite  of  the  wretch  of  a  caliph,  who 
I  fully  believe  is  an  atheist  and  no  true  believer." 

"  Inshallah,"  said  the  caliph  to  himself,  "  but  I'll  be  even 
with  you  some  day,  at  least." 

Yussuf  then  filled  his  cup  several  times,  and  was  in  high 
glee,  as  he  narrated  the  events  of  the  day,  concluding 
with,  "  I  am  Yussuf — I  put  my  trust  in  God.  As  an 
officer  of  the  law  I  intend  to  live  and  die,  and  to-morrow  I 
shall  attend  the  hall  of  the  cadi." 

"But,"  said  Giaffar,  "  suppose " 

"  Suppose  !  by  the  beard  of  the  Prophet,  if  you  dare 
to  suppose  again  in  my  presence,  I  will  pound  your  fat 
stomach  into  a  jelly,"  cried  Yussuf,  seizing  his  cudgel. 

"  No,  no,  my  friend,  I  merely  wished  to  say " 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  317 

"Say  nothing,"  roared  Yussuf,  "or  you  never  speak 
again." 

"  Then  we  will  only  think,  my  friend." 

"That  I  will  allow,  and  I  also  think  as  well  as  you. 
My  thoughts  are,  that  it  will  be  wise  for  you  to  quit  as 
fast  as  you  can,  for  I  have  the  cudgel  in  my  hand,  and  am 
not  in  the  very  best  of  humours."  The  caliph  and  his 
attendants  were  of  the  same  opinion,  and  took  their  leave 
of  their  irritated  host. 

At  the  next  morning's  levee,  Giaffar  entered  the  divan 
at  the  head  of  the  chief  officers  of  the  law,  and  viziers  of 
the  different  departments,  prostrating  himself  before  the 
throne,  he  called  down  increase  of  years  and  prosperity  on 
the  caliph.  "  GiafFar,"  replied  Haroun,  "  issue  immediate 
orders,  under  the  imperial  firmaum,  that  strict  inquiries  be 
made  into  those  officers  of  justice  who  attend  the  halls  of 
the  cadis.  All  those  who  have  been  lawfully  selected  shall 
be  retained,  with  a  present  and  increase  of  salary,  while 
those  who  have  assumed  their  name  and  office,  without 
warranty  or  permission,  shall  be  dismissed  with  the 
bastinado. 

The  orders  of  the  caliph  were  immediately  obeyed.  In 
the  meantime,  Yussuf,  who  had  fallen  asleep  over  his 
wine,  did  not  awaken  till  long  after  the  sun  was  up.  He 
immediately  rose,  dressed  himself  with  care,  and  hastened 
to  the  hall  of  the  cadi,  and  took  his  station  among  the 
officers  of  the  law,  who  looked  at  him  with  surprise  and 
displeasure.  At  this  moment  the  caliph's  firmaum  was 
delivered  to  the  cadi,  who,  lifting  it  up  to  his  forehead, 
in  token  of  respect  and  obedience,  caused  it  to  be  read 
to  him.  He  then  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  "Bring  in 
purses  of  gold,  and  let  also  the  fellah  and  rods  for  the 
bastinado  be  brought  in.  Close  up  the  gates  of  the 
cutchery,  that  none  escape ;  and  ye  officers  of  justice,  be 
ready  to  answer  as  your  names  are  called."  Yussuf,  whose 
eyes  were  wide  open,  as  well  as  his  ears,  said  to  himself, 
"  My  God  !  what  new  event  is  now  to  come  to  pass  ?  " 

The  orders  of  the  cadi  having  been  obeyed,  the  officers 


3i8  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

were  severally  called  forward,  and  having  proved  them- 
selves regularly  appointed,  received  their  rewards,  and 
were  dismissed.  Yussuf's  ideas  were  so  confused  by  what 
appeared  to  him  such  an  unmitigated  destiny,  that  he  did 
not  perceive  that  he  was  left  standing  alone.  It  was  not 
until  the  second  time  that  the  cadi  called  to  him,  that 
Yussuf  moved  towards  him. 

"  Who  are  you  ?  "  inquired  the  cadi. 

"  I  am  Yussuf,  and  my  trust  is  in  God,"  replied  he. 

"  What  is  your  profession  ?  " 

"I  am  a  water-carrier." 

"  Such  being  the  case,  why  did  you  join  the  officers  of 
the  law  ? " 

*'  I  only  entered  upon  the  calling  yesterday,  O  cadi ;  but 
nothing  is  difficult  to  me.  Provided  I  gain  but  my  six 
dirhems  a  day,  I  have  no  objection  to  become  a  mollah." 

The  cadi  and  bystanders  were  unable  to  restrain  their 
mirth,  nevertheless,  his  feet  were  secured  to  the  pole ;  and 
when  hoisted  up,  they  commenced  the  bastinado,  taking 
care,  however,  to  strike  the  pole  much  oftener  than  his 
toes.  Having  finished,  he  was  released,  and  turned  out  of 
the  hall  of  justice,  very  much  mortified  and  melancholy, 
but  little  hurt  by  the  gentle  infliction.  "Well,"  thought 
Yussuf,  "  fate  appears  determined  that  I  shall  change  my 
mode  of  gaining  my  livelihood  every  day.  Had  I  not 
allowed  those  Moussul  rascals  to  enter  my  house,  this 
never  would  have  happened." 

As  he  said  this,  he  perceived  one  of  the  heeldars,  or 
officers  of  the  caliph's  household,  pass  by  him.  "That 
would  be  a  nice  office,"  thought  Yussuf,  "  and  the  caliph 
does  not  count  his  people  like  the  cadi.  It  requires  but 
an  impudent  swagger,  and  you  are  taken  upon  your  own 
representation."  Accordingly,  nowise  disheartened,  and 
determined  to  earn  his  six  dirhems,  he  returned  home^ 
squeezed  his  waist  into  as  narrow  a  compass  as  he  could, 
gave  his  turban  a  smart  cock,  washed  his  hands,  and  took 
a  peeled  almond-wand  in  his  hand.  He  was  proceeding 
down  stairs,  when  he  recollected  that  it  was  necessary  to 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  319 

have  a  sword,  and  he  had  only  a  scabbard,  which  he  fixed 
in  his  belt,  and  cutting  a  piece  of  palm-wood  into  the  shape 
of  a  sword,  he  fixed  it  in,  making  the  handle  look  smart 
with  some  coloured  pieces  of  cotton  and  silk,  which  he 
sewed  with  packthread.  Thus  marched  he  out,  swaggering 
down  the  streets,  and  swinging  his  twig  of  almond-tree  in 
his  hand.  As  he  strutted  along  everyone  made  way  for 
him,  imagining  him  to  be  one  of  those  insolent  retainers 
of  office  who  are  supported  by  the  great  khans.  Thus  he 
continued  a  straight  course,  until  he  arrived  at  the  market- 
place, where  a  multitude  was  assembled  round  two  men, 
who  were  fighting  desperately.  Yussuf  pressed  forward, 
the  crowd  making  way  for  him  on  both  sides,  either  taking 
him  for  an  officer  of  the  household,  or  dreading  the  force 
of  his  nervous  and  muscular  proportions.  When  he  reached 
the  combatants,  they  were  covered  with  dirt  and  blood, 
and  engaged  so  furiously,  that  no  one  dared  separate 
them.  Yussuf,  perceiving  the  dread  which  he  inspired, 
and  that  he  was  taken,  as  he  wished  to  be,  for  a  beeldar, 
first  clapped  his  hand  to  the  handle  of  his  pretended  sword, 
and  then  struck  the  combatants  several  sharp  blows  with 
his  almond  stick,  and  thus  induced  them  to  leave  off  fight- 
ing. The  sheick,  or  head  of  the  bazaar,  then  approached 
Yussuf,  and  making  an  obeisance,  presented  him  with  six 
dirhems,  with  a  prayer  that  he  would  seize  the  culprits, 
and  carry  them  before  the  caliph  for  punishment,  as  dis- 
turbers of  the  public  peace. 

"  Yussuf,  securing  the  money  in  his  girdle,  seized  up 
the  two  combatants,  and  carrying  one  under  each  arm, 
walked  off  with  them.  A  great  crowd  followed,  with 
many  prayers  for  the  release  of  the  prisoners ;  but  Yussuf 
turned  a  deaf  ear,  until  another  six  dirhems  were  dropped 
into  his  vest,  with  a  prayer  for  mercy.  Upon  this  Yussuf 
consented  to  release  them,  and  walked  away,  hardly  able 
to  contain  his  exultation.  **  I  am  Yussuf,"  cried  he,  "  and 
I  trust  in  God.  As  a  beeldar  will  I  live  and  die.  By 
Allah !  I  will  go  to  the  palace,  and  see  how  it  fares  with 
my  brother  beeldars." 


320  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

Now  there  were  thirty  beeldars  in  the  service  of  the 
caliph,  who  attended  the  palace  in  rotation,  ten  each  day. 
On  reaching  the  court  of  the  palace,  Yussuf  took  his 
station  where  the  ten  beeldars  on  duty  were  collected 
together.  He  observed,  however,  that  they  were  very 
different  from  himself,  very  slight  young  men,  and  dressed 
in  a  very  superior  style.  He  felt  some  contempt  for  their 
effeminate  appearance,  contrasted  with  his  own  muscular 
frame,  but  could  not  keep  his  eyes  off  their  handsome  and 
stylish  dress.  Meanwhile,  the  chief  of  the  beeldars  per- 
ceived him,  and  knowing  that  he  did  not  belong  to  the 
palace,  imagined  from  his  appearance,  and  his  presenting 
himself  among  them,  that  he  must  be  one  in  the  service 
of  one  of  the  great  omrahs  who  were  at  Bagdad,  who, 
having  nothing  to  do  at  home,  had  come  as  a  visitor  to  the 
palace.  He  remarked  this  to  his  brother  beeldars,  saying, 
"This  fine-built  stranger  ought  to  be  considered  as  our 
guest.  Let  us  show  him  all  courtesy,  for  he  is  of  our 
profession,  and  therefore  we  shall  not  do  ourselves  credit, 
if  we  do  not  prove  that  we  have  the  power  to  serve  him." 
The  other  beeldars  agreeing  with  him,  the  chief  went  to 
the  secretary  of  the  treasury,  and  procured  an  order  of 
notice  upon  a  rich  confectioner,  to  pay  into  the  treasury 
the  sum  of  five  thousand  dirhems,  due  by  him  upon  several 
accounts  therein  specified.  The  vizier's  seal  having  been 
attached  to  it,  he  went  with  it  to  where  Yussuf  was 
standing.  **  What,  ho !  brother  beeldar,"  said  the 
chief. 

"  I  am  Yussuf,  and  my  trust  is  in  God ;  I  am  ready  to 
obey  your  commands,"  said  the  water-carrier,  advancing 
with  great  humility. 

"May  I  request,  brother  beeldar,  that  you  will  do  us 
of  the  palace,  the  very  great  favour  to  carry  this  paper, 
bearing  the  vizier's  seal,  to  Mallem  Osman,  the  great 
confectioner,  and  request  the  immediate  payment  of  five 
thousand  dirhems.  You  know  your  profession ;  of  course 
the  money  is  not  expected,  but  whatever  he  may  offer  for 
your  affording  him  a  respite,  put  down  to  the  friendship 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  321 

and  good  will  of  the  beeldars  of  the  palace,  and  remember 
us  when  you  feast  in  your  own  dwelling." 

Yussuf,  highly  delighted,  put  the  order  into  his  cap, 
made  a  low  salaam,  and  departed  on  his  message.  Deeming 
it  beneath  his  new-fledged  dignity  to  walk,  he  mounted  one 
of  the  asses  ready  for  hire  at  the  corner  of  the  streets, 
ordering  the  driver  to  hasten  before  to  clear  the  way,  and 
ascertain  which  was  the  dwelling  of  the  confectioner.  The 
house  of  Mallem  Osman  was  soon  discovered,  for  he  was 
the  most  celebrated  of  his  trade,  and  had  an  immense  busi- 
ness. Yussuf  rode  up  on  the  beast,  which  was  not  half  as 
large  as  himself,  and  stopped  at  the  shop,  where  the  con- 
fectioner was  superintending  his  work-people.  "  I  am 
Yussuf,  and  my  trust  is  in  God,"  said  Yussuf,  looking  at 
the  confectioner.  The  confectioner  heeded  him  not,  when 
Yussuf  strutted  into  the  shop.  "  I  merely  wait  upon  you, 
good  Mallem  Osman,  to  request  that  you  will  immediately 
repair  to  the  palace,  carrying  v/ith  you  five  bags,  each  con- 
taining one  thousand  dirhems,  of  which  there  appears  at 
present  to  be  no  chance  of  receiving  an  asper.  This  paper, 
sealed  by  the  vizier,  contains  the  order ;  and  as  you  have 
the  honour  of  being  the  caliph's  debtor,  you  will  do  well 
to  rise  and  accompany  me  forthwith  to  the  palace,  not  for- 
getting the  needful." 

At  this  speech  Mallem  started  up  from  his  seat,  advanced 
most  submissively  to  Yussuf,  took  the  paper  and  raised  it 
to  his  head,  addressing  Yussuf  with  the  most  abject 
servility,  "  O  most  excellent,  most  valiant,  and  most 
powerful  beeldar,  how  well  doth  the  caliph  select  his 
officers  !  How  favoured  am  I  by  Allah  with  your  happy 
presence !  I  am  your  slave — honour  me  by  refreshing 
yourself  in  my  dwelling." 

Yussuf  then  threw  the  driver  of  the  beast  half  a  dirhem, 
and  dismissed  him,  breathed  as  if  fatigued  with  his  journey, 
and  wiped  his  brow  with  his  sleeve.  The  confectioner 
placed  him  in  his  own  seat,  and  sent  hastily  to  the  bazaar 
for  a  large  dishful  of  kabob,  spread  a  napkin  before  Yussuf, 
and  slicing  a  pomegranate,  strewed  it  over  with  pounded 
p  X 


322  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

sugar,  and  placed  it  before  him,  along  with  some  sweet 
cakes  and  some  honey.  **  O  chief  of  beeldars !  "  said  the 
confectioner,  "  it  is  my  prayer  that  you  deign  to  break  your 
fast  in  the  house  of  your  servant.  Will  you  amuse  yourself 
with  these  trifles  while  something  better  is  preparing  ? " 
Here  one  of  the  shopmen  brought  a  bowl,  into  which  he 
poured  sherbet  of  the  distilled  juice  of  the  lotus-flower 
mingled  with  rose-water.  The  master  placed  this  also 
before  Yussuf,  and  entreated  him  to  eat ;  but  Yussuf, 
affecting  the  great  man,  held  his  head  up  in  the  air  and 
would  not  even  look  that  way.  "  Condescend  to  oblige 
me  by  tasting  this  sherbet,  O  chief !  "  continued  the  con- 
fectioner :  "or  I  swear  by  Allah,  that  I  will  divorce  my 
youngest  and  most  favourite  wife." 

"Hold — hold,  brother!"  replied  Yussuf;  "rather  than 
that  the  innocent  should  suffer,  I  will  comply  with  your 
request;  although,  to  say  the  truth,  I  have  no  appetite, 
having  taken  my  breakfast  from  the  caliph's  table  in  ten 
dishes,  each  dish  containing  three  fowls  dressed  in  a  different 
fashion.     I  am  so  full  that  I  can  scarce  draw  my  breath." 

"  I  fully  comprehend  that  it  is  out  of  compassion  to  your 
slave  that  you  comply  with  my  request." 

"Well,"  said  Yussuf,  "to  oblige  you;"  and  taking  up 
the  bowl  of  sherbet,  which  contained  some  pints,  to  the 
amazement  of  the  confectioner,  at  one  long  draught  he 
swallowed  it  all  down.  The  kabob  now  made  its  appear- 
ance, wrapped  up  in  thin  cakes  of  fine  wheaten  flour. 
Yussuf  swallowed  this  also  with  a  rapidity  which  was 
astonishing  to  behold,  nor  did  he  cease  eating  till  the  whole 
table  cleared.  The  confectioner  was  amazed.  "  This 
fellow,"  thought  he,  "  breakfasted  upon  ten  dishes,  each 
containing  three  fowls.  How  fortunate  for  me !  What 
would  he  have  done  had  he  come  here  fainting .?  Nothing 
less  than  an  ox  stuffed  with  pistachio-nuts  would  have 
satisfied  him.  Would  to  Heaven  that  I  were  well  rid  of 
him !  " 

In  the  meantime  Yussuf  stirred  not,  but  resumed  his 
consequence.     The  confectioner  requested  to  know  if  his 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  323 

highness  would  wait  till  a  dinner  was  prepared  for  him. 
"  Indeed,  friend,  that  is  a  subject  of  small  concern.  My 
object  here  is,  that  you  hasten  with  me  to  the  treasury  to 
pay  in  the  five  thousand  d'rhems  which  are  due." 

"  Your  indulgence,  my  aga,"  replied  the  confectioner ; 
"  I  will  return  in  one  minute."  Mallem  Osman  then  filled 
a  large  bag  with  the  choicest  of  his  sweetmeats,  and  putting 
thirty  dirhems  in  a  paper,  he  approached  Yussuf,  saying, 
"  My  prince,  I  humbly  beg  your  acceptance  of  this  trifling 
present  of  sweetmeats,  and  these  thirty  dirhems  for  the 
expenses  of  the  bath  after  your  fatiguing  journey  hither. 
Deign  also  to  favour  me  with  your  protection.  Trade  is 
scarce,  and  money  does  not  come  in.  In  a  short  time  I  will 
pay  all." 

Yussuf,  who  was  aware  that  the  order  had  only  been 
given  that  he  might  squeeze  a  few  dirhems  out  of  the  con- 
fectioner, then  spoke  with  much  civility.  "  My  advice  to 
you,  Mallem,"  said  he,  "  is,  that  you  stir  not  out  of  your 
door  to-day — there  is  no  such  hurry — nor  to-morrow,  nay, 
even  a  week,  or  a  month,  or  a  year.  I  may  say,  stir  not 
at  all,  for  you  have  my  protection ;  and  therefore  be  under 
no  trouble  of  going  to  the  palace  at  all." 

It  was  near  sunset  when  this  affair  was  settled.  Yussuf 
walked  home  with  his  hands  full  of  presents,  exclaiming  as 
he  went,  "  I  am  Yussuf,  my  provision  is  from  God  !  "  He 
reached  his  home,  full  of  pleasing  anticipations,  and  chang- 
ing his  dress,  took  out  his  basket  and  pitcher,  returning 
loaded  more  than  usual ;  for  having  gained  forty-two 
dirhems,  he  resolved  to  indulge  himself.  **  By  Allah  !  " 
cried  he,  "  I  will  double  my  allowance,  to  the  confusion  of 
those  rascally  Moussul  merchants,  who  are  such  birds  of  ill 
omen."  He  accordingly  expended  double  the  money, 
doubling  also  his  allowance  of  wax  tapers  and  oil,  so  that 
his  house  was  in  a  blaze  of  light  when  he  sat  down  as 
usual  to  his  feast,  more  happy  than  ever,  drinking  more, 
and  singing  twice  as  loudly  as  he  had  ever  done  before. 

Leaving  him  to  his  solitary  revels,  we  must  observe,  that 
the  caliph  had  ascertained  that  Yussuf  had  received  the 


324  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

bastinado ;  and  now  making  sure  that  he  would  be  without 
provisions  or  wine,  he  resolved  to  pay  him  another  visit. 
"  I  think,  GiafFar,  that  I  have,  at  last,  sent  that  rascal  to 
bed  supperless  in  return  for  his  calling  me  an  infidel ;  and 
I  must  go  and  enjoy  his  wrath  and  indignation,  increased 
of  course  by  the  pain  of  the  blows  he  has  received  by  the 
order  of  the  cadi."  In  vain  did  GiafFar  represent  that  it 
would  be  attacking  an  angry  and  wounded  lion  in  his  den ; 
that  his  wrath  would  be  such,  and  his  strength  was  so 
enormous,  that  they  could  not  expect  less  than  annihilation, 
should  they  venture  to  his  door.  "  All  that  may  be  true," 
replied  the  caliph ;  "  but  still  I  will  go  and  see  him  at  all 
risk." 

"I  have  my  dagger,  Commander  of  the  Faithful," 
observed  Mesrour,  "  and  I  fear  him  not." 

"  Use  it  not,  Mesrour,"  replied  the  caliph.  "  Get  ready 
the  dresses,  and  let  us  depart." 

**  I  venture  to  promise  that  we  shall  see  no  more  lights 
this  time,  except  it  may  be  a  solitary  lamp  to  enable  him  to 
bathe  his  wounded  feet." 

They  went  forth,  and  on  their  arrival  were  astonished  at 
the  blaze  of  light  which  proceeded  from  Yussuf's  apart- 
ments; his  singing  also  was  most  clamorous,  and  he  appeared 
to  be  much  intoxicated,  crying  out  between  his  staves,  "  I 
am  Yussuf !  confound  all  Moussul  merchants — my  trust  is 
in  God ! " 

"  By  the  sword  of  the  prophet !  "  exclaimed  the  caliph, 
*'  this  fellow  baffles  me  in  everything.  Have  I  not  made 
the  whole  city  uncomfortable,  and  submit  to  decrees  which 
appeared  to  be  promulgated  by  a  madman,  merely  to  chastise 
this  wine-bibber,  and  behold  he  revels  as  before  ?  I  am 
weary  of  attempting  to  baiHe  him ;  however,  let  us  find 
out,  if  possible,  how  he  has  provided  for  his  table.  What, 
ho !  friend  Yussuf,  are  you  there  ?  Here  are  your  guests 
come  again  to  rejoice  in  your  good  fortune,"  cried  the 
caliph  from  the  street. 

"What,  again?"  roared  Yussuf.  "Well,  now,  you 
must  take  the  consequence.     Fly,  or  you  are  dead  men. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  325 

I  have  sworn  by  Allah,  not  only  that  you  should  not  come 
into  my  door,  but  that  I  would  cudgel  you  whenever  we 
met  again." 

"Nay,  thou  pearl  among  men,  thou  ocean  of  good  tem- 
per, rise  and  receive  us.  It  is  our  destiny,  and  who  can 
prevent  it  ? " 

"  Well,  then,"  replied  Yussuf,  coming  out  to  the 
verandah  with  his  great  cudgel,  "  if  it  is  your  destiny,  it 
will  not  be  my  fault." 

"  But,  good  Yussuf,"  replied  the  caliph,  "  hear  us. 
This  is  the  last  time  that  we  request  admittance.  We 
swear  it  by  the  three.  You  rail  at  us  as  if  we  harmed  you  \ 
whereas,  you  must  acknowledge  that  everything,  however 
unfortunate  at  first  appearance,  has  turned  only  to  thy 
advantage." 

"That  is  true,"  replied  Yussuf;  "but  still  it  is 
through  your  pernicious  omens  that  I  am  made  to  change 
my  trade  every  day.     "What  am  I  to  be  next  ? " 

"  Is  not  your  trust  in  God  .'* "  replied  GiafFar.  "  Besides, 
we  promise  thee  faithfully  that  we  will  not  say  one  word 
on  the  subject,  and  that  this  shall  be  the  last  time  that  we 
demand  your  hospitality." 

"  Well,"  replied  Yussuf,  who  was  very  drunk,  "  I  will 
open  the  door  for  the  last  time,  as  I  must  not  war  with 
destiny."  So  saying,  he  reeled  down  the  stairs,  and  let 
them  in. 

The  caliph  found  everything  in  extraordinary  profusion. 
Yussuf  sang  for  some  time  without  noticing  them  ;  at  last 
he  said,  "  You  Moussul  rascals,  why  do  you  not  ask  me  to 
narrate  how  I  have  had  such  good  fortune  ?  You  are 
dying  with  envy,  I  presume ;  but  now  you  shall  hear  it, 
and  if  you  dare  to  go  av/ay  till  I  have  told  you  all,  I 
will  shower  down  such  a  quantity  of  blows  upon  your 
carcasses,  as  shall  leave  you  worse  than  a  bastinado  of 
five  hundred." 

"  We  are  all  obedience  and  humility,  O  prince  of 
men  !  "  replied  the  caliph. 

Yussuf  then  narrated  the  events  of  the  day,  concluding 


326  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

with,  "  I  am  Yussuf,  my  trust  is  in  God !  A  beeldar 
will  I  live,  a  beeldar  will  I  die,  in  spite  of  the  caliph 
and  his  grand  vizier  to  boot.  Here's  confusion  to  them 
both  !  "  He  then  drank  off  a  cup  of  rakee,  and  rolling 
over  in  a  state  of  stupid  intoxication,  fell  fast  asleep. 

The  caliph  and  Giaffar  blew  out  the  lights,  and  then 
let  themselves  out  of  the  door,  and,  much  amused  with 
the  adventures  of  Yussuf,  they  regained  the  private  gate 
of  the  seraglio. 

The  next  morning  Yussuf  awoke,  and  finding  it  late, 
hastened  to  dress  himself  in  his  best  clothes,  saying  to 
himself,  "  I  am  a  beeldar,  and  I  will  die  a  beeldar."  He 
took  care  to  comb  out  his  beard,  and  twist  it  in  a  fiercer 
manner ;  and  then  putting  on  his  sham  sword,  lost  no 
time  in  going  to  the  palace,  where  he  took  his  station 
among  the  beeldars  who  were  on  duty,  hoping  that  he 
would  be  despatched  by  the  chief  on  a  similar  message 
as  that  of  the  day  before.  The  caliph  soon  afterwards 
made  his  appearance  at  the  divan,  and  immediately  re- 
cognised Yussuf  in  his  partial  disguise.  He  observed  to 
Giaffar,  "Do  you  see  there  our  friend  Yussuf?  I  have 
him  at  last,  and  now  I  will  perplex  him  not  a  little  before 
he  escapes  me."  The  chief  of  the  beeldars  being  called, 
stepped  forward  and  made  his  obeisance.  "What  is  the 
number  of  your  corps  ? "  inquired  the  caliph. 

"  Thirty  in  all,  Most  High,  of  which  ten  are  every 
day  on  duty." 

"  I  will  review  those  who  are  present,"  replied  the 
caliph,  "  and  examine  each  man  particularly." 

The  chief  of  the  beeldars  bowing  low,  retired,  and 
turning  to  his  men,  with  a  loud  voice,  said,  "Beeldars, 
it  is  the  pleasure  of  the  Commander  of  the  Faithful,  that 
you  appear  before  him." 

This  order  was  instantly  obeyed,  and  Yussuf  was  com- 
pelled to  walk  with  the  rest  into  the  immediate  presence 
of  the  caliph  ;  not,  however,  without  alarm,  and  saying 
to  himself,  "What  can  all  this  be  for.?  My  usual  luck. 
Yesterday,   I  cast   up   my  reckoning  with  the  cadi,  and 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  327 

paid  the  balance  with  my  heels.  If  I  have  to  account 
with  the  caliph,  I  am  lucky  if  I  come  off  clear  with  my 
head." 

In  the  meantime  the  caliph  asked  a  few  questions  of 
each  beeldar,  until  he  came  to  Yussuf,  who  had  taken 
care  to  stand  last.  His  manoeuvres  and  embarrassment 
afforded  much  pleasure  to  the  caliph  and  GiafFar,  so  much, 
that  they  scarce  could  refrain  from  laughing  outright. 
The  last  of  the  beeldars  had  now  been  examined,  and 
had  passed  over  to  the  right  after  the  others,  and  Yussuf 
remained  standing  by  himself.  He  shuffled  from  side  to 
side,  casting  an  eye  now  at  the  door,  and  then  at  the 
caliph,  considering  whether  he  should  take  to  his  heels  ; 
but  he  felt  that  it  was  useless.  The  caliph  asked  him 
who  he  was  three  times  before  YussuPs  confusion  would 
allow  him  to  answer ;  and  the  chief  of  the  beeldars  gave 
him  a  push  in  the  ribs,  and  looking  in  his  face,  did  not 
recognize  him  ;  he  however  supposed  that  he  had  been 
lately  substituted  by  one  of  the  other  chiefs.  **  Answer 
the  caliph,  you  great  brute,"  said  he  to  Yussuf,  giving 
him  another  dig  in  the  ribs  with  the  handle  of  his  poniard ; 
but  YussuPs  tongue  was  glued  to  his  mouth  with  fear, 
and  he  stood  trembling  without  giving  any  answer.  The 
caliph  again  repeated,  "  What  is  your  name,  your  father's 
name,  and  the  amount  of  your  salary  as  a  beeldar  ?  and 
how  did  you  get  your  appointment  ? " 

"  Is  it  to  me  you  speak,  O  hadji  caliph  ? "  at  last 
stammered  out  Yussuf. 

**  Yes,"  replied  the  caliph,  gravely. 

GiafFar,  who  stood  near  his  master,  then  cried  out, 
"  Yes,  you  cowardly  shred  of  a  beeldar ;  and  reply 
quickly,  or  a  sword  will  be  applied  to  your  neck." 

Yussuf,  as  if  talking  to  himself,  replied,  **  I  hope  it 
will  be  my  own  then."  He  then  replied  to  the  question, 
"  Yes,  yes,  it's  all  right — my  father  was  a  beeldar,  and 
my  mother  also  before  him."  At  this  extravagant  answer 
the  caliph  and  whole  court  could  no  longer  restrain  their 
mirth,  which  gave  Yussuf  a  little  more  courage. 


328  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

'*So,"  replied  Haroun,  "it  appears  that  you  are  a 
beeldar,  and  that  your  allowance  is  ten  dinars  yearly,  and 
five  pounds  of  mutton  daily." 

"  Yes,  my  Umeer,"  replied  Yussuf,  "  I  believe  that  is 
correct.     My  trust  is  in  God  !  " 

"It  is  well.  Now,  Yussuf,  take  with  you  three  other 
beeldars  to  the  dungeon  of  blood,  and  bring  to  me  the 
four  robbers  who  were  condemned  to  death  for  their 
manifold  crimes  and  enormities." 

Here  GiafFar  interfered,  and  submitted  to  the  caliph, 
whether  it  would  not  be  better  that  the  head  jailor  should 
produce  them,  which  being  ordered,  that  ofEcer  presently 
made  his  appearance  with  the  four  criminals  pinioned  and 
bareheaded.  The  caliph  ordered  three  of  the  beeldars 
each  to  seize  and  blindfold  a  prisoner^  to  open  their 
upper  garments  ready  to  unsheath  their  swords,  and  wait 
for  the  word  of  command.  The  three  beeldars  made  their 
obeisance,  obeyed  the  command,  placing  the  criminals 
in  a  kneeling  position,  resting  on  their  hams,  with  their 
necks  bare,  and  their  eyes  covered.  While  the  three 
beeldars  stood  thus  in  readiness,  Yussuf  was  in  a  dreadful 
state  of  confusion.  "To  escape  now  is  impossible,"  said 
he  to  himself.  "Confound  these  Moussul  merchants. 
They  did  well  to  say  they  would  come  no  more,  for  in 
a  few  minutes  I  shall  be  no  more  myself." 

"  You  fellow  there !  you  are  one  of  the  appointed 
beeldars,  and  do  not  know  your  duty,"  cried  GiafFar. 
"Why  do  you  not  lead  out  the  criminal,  as  your  com- 
panions have  done  ? " 

"  Yussuf,  obliged  to  obey,  now  seized  the  fourth 
prisoner,  covered  his  eyes,  laid  bare  his  neck,  and  took 
his  stand  behind  him,  but  without  drawing  his  sword. 
**  I  never  shall  be  able  to  get  over  this,"  thought  Yussuf. 
"In  a  few  seconds  it  will  prove  to  be  but  a  piece  of 
palm- wood,  and  I  shall  lose  my  head  among  the  jeers  of 
the  people.  However,  my  trust  is  in  God  j  and  to  Shitan 
with  all  Moussul  merchants."  He  took,  however,  his 
sheath  and  sham  sword  from  his  belt,  and  raised  it  in  the 
scabbard  over  his  shoulder. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  329 

The  caliph,  who  watched  him  narrowly,  was  highly 
diverted  with  this  manoeuvre.  "  You  beeldar  !  "  cried  he, 
"  Vv^hy  do  you  not  unsheath  your  sword  ?  " 

"  My  sword,"  replied  Yussuf,  "  is  of  that  temper, 
that  it  must  not  too  long  glance  in  the  eyes  of  the  Com- 
mander of  the  Faithful." 

The  caliph  appeared  satisfied,  and  turning  to  the  first 
beeldar,  commanded  him  to  strike.  In  a  moment  the 
head  of  the  robber  was  lying  on  the  ground.  ''  Neatly 
and  bravely  done,"  said  the  caliph;  "let  him  be  re- 
warded." He  then  gave  command  to  the  second  to 
execute  his  criminal.  The  sword  whirled  in  the  air, 
and  at  one  stroke  the  head  of  the  robber  flew  some 
distance  from  the  shoulders.  The  third  criminal  was 
despatched  with  equal  dexterity.  "  Now,"  said  the 
caliph  to  Yussuf,  "  you,  my  beeldar,  cut  off  the  criminal's 
head,  and  receive  the  like  reward  for  your  dexterity." 

Yussuf  had  by  this  time,  to  a  certain  degree,  recovered 
his  presence  of  mind  ;  he  had  not  exactly  arranged  his 
ideas,  but  they  floated  indistinctly  in  his  brain.  "  Will 
your  highness  allow  me  to  say  a  few  words  to  the 
criminal  ?  "  demanded  Yussuf,  to  gain  time. 

"Be  it  so,"  replied  the  caliph,  stuffing  his  robe  in  his 
mouth  to  prevent  laughter. 

"  The  caliph  has  commanded  that  your  head  be  struck 
off.  If  you  would  pronounce  the  profession  of  the  true 
faith,  now  is  your  time,  robber,  for  you  have  but  one 
short  minute  to  live." 

The  criminal  immediately  cried  out,  "There  is  but 
one  God,  and  Mahomet  is  his  Prophet ! " 

Yussuf  then  bared  his  muscular  arm,  and  fiercely 
rolling  his  eyes,  walked  three  times  round  his  prisoner. 
"Declare  now  the  justice  of  your  fate,"  cried  he,  aloud 
(but  at  the  same  time  saying  to  the  man,  in  a  low  tone, 
"  Swear  you  are  innocent  ").  "  Say,  is  not  your  sentence 
just?" 

"  No — no,"  replied  the  man,  in  a  loud  voice,  "  I  am 
innocent." 


^^o  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

The  caliph,  who  was  very  attentive  to  all  that  passed, 
v/as  much  diverted  by  Yussuf's  proceedings,  and  wondered 
what  he  would  do  next.  Yussuf  then  walked  up  to  the 
caliph,  and  prostrated  himself.  "  O  caliph !  vicegerent 
of  the  Prophet !  deign  to  listen  to  your  faithful  beeidar, 
while  he  narrates  a  strange  adventure  which  hath  befallen 
him  within  these  few  days." 

"  Speak,  beeidar,  we  are  all  attention ;  remember  that 
thy  words  be  those  of  truth." 

"  It  was  on  the  evening  before  your  highness  issued  the 
decree  that  no  water  should  be  supplied  to  the  bazaar, 
from  the  Tigris,  that  as  I  was  sitting  in  my  house,  per- 
forming my  sacred  duties,  and  studying  the  Koran,  which 
I  read  in  a  loud  voice,  three  merchants  of  Moussul  claimed 
and  entreated  my  hospitality.  The  Koran  has  pointed 
out  hospitality  as  a  virtue  necessary  to  every  true  believer, 
and  I  hastened  to  open  my  door  and  receive  them." 

"Indeed,"  replied  the  caliph,  looking  at  GiafFar.  "Tell 
me,  beeidar,  what  sort  of  looking  personages  might  these 
Moussul  merchants  be  ?  " 

"  Ill-favoured  to  a  degree.  One  was  a  pot-bellied, 
rascally-looking  fellow,  with  a  great  beard,  who  looked 
as  if  he  had  just  come  out  of  a  jail.  [The  caliph  winked 
at  his  vizier,  as  much  as  to  say.  There  is  your  portrait.] 
Another  was  a  black-bearded,  beetle-browed,  hang-dog 
looking  rascal.  [Giaffar  bowed  to  the  caliph.]  And  the 
third  was  a  blubber-lipped,  weazen-faced  skeleton  of  a 
negro.  [Mesrour  clapped  his  hand  to  his  dagger  with 
impatience.]  In  short,  your  highness,  I  may  safely  say 
that  the  three  criminals  whose  heads  have  just  been  for- 
feited to  justice  were,  as  far  as  appearances  went,  honest- 
looking  men  compared  to  the  three  Moussul  merchants. 
Nevertheless,  as  in  duty  bound,  I  received  these  three 
men,  gave  them  shelter,  and  spread  a  table  of  the  best 
before  them.  They  indulged  in  kabobs,  and  asking  for 
wine  and  rakee,  which,  as  forbidden  by  the  law,  I  never 
taste,  I  went  out  and  purchased  it  for  them.  They  did 
eat  and  drink  till  the  dawn  broke,  and  then  they  departed." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  331 

"  Indeed,"  said  the  caliph. 

"  The  next  night,  to  my  great  annoyance,  they  aroused 
me  from  my  devotions  as  before.  Again  did  my  substance 
disappear  in  providing  for  their  demands ;  and,  after  hav- 
ing eaten  and  drunk  until  they  were  intoxicated,  they 
went  away,  and  I  hoped  to  see  them  no  more,  as  they 
were  not  sparing  in  their  observations  upon  the  new 
decree  of  your  highness,  relative  to  the  shutting  up  of 
the  baths." 

"  Proceed,  good  Yussuf." 

**  The  third  night  they  again  came,  and  having  no  more 
money  to  spare,  and  finding  them  still  making  my  house 
a  tavern,  I  hoped  that  they  would  come  no  more  ;  but 
they  came  again,  a  fourth  night,  and  then  behaved  most 
indecorously,  singing  lewd  songs,  and  calling  out  for 
wine  and  rakee  until  I  could  bear  it  no  more,  and  I  then 
told  them  that  I  could  no  longer  receive  them.  The  fat- 
stomached  one,  whom  I  have  before  mentioned,  then  rose, 
and  said,  *  Yussuf,  we  have  proved  your  hospitality,  and 
we  thank  you.  No  one  would  have  received  three  such 
ill-favoured  persons,  and  have  regaled  them  for  the  love 
of  God,  as  you  have  done.  We  will  now  reward  thee. 
Thou  art  a  beeldar  of  the  palace,  and  we  will  now  present 
thee  with  the  sword  of  justice,  which  has  been  lost  since 
the  days  of  the  great  Solomon ;  take  this,  and  judge  not 
by  its  outward  appearance.  When  commanded  to  take 
off  the  head  of  a  criminal,  if  he  is  guilty,  the  sword  will 
flash  like  fire,  and  never  fail ;  but  should  he  be  innocent. 
It  will  become  a  harmless  lath  of  wood.'  I  took  the 
present,  and  was  about  to  return  thanks,  when  the  three 
ill-favoured  Moussul  merchants  gradually  took  the  form 
of  celestial  beings,  and  vanished." 

"  Indeed,  this  is  a  strange  story — what,  did  the  big- 
bellied  fellow  look  like  an  angel  ? " 

**  As  an  angel  of  light,  O  caliph." 

"  What,  and  the  weazen-faced  negro  ?  " 

"  Like  a  houri,  O  caliph." 

^*Well,    then,"   replied   the   caliph,    "you    shall   now, 


^^2  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

Yussuf,  try  the  power  of  this  wonderful  sword.     Strike 
off  that  criminal's  head." 

Yussuf  returned  to  the  robber,  who  remained  kneelingy 
and  walked  round  him,  crying  out  with  a  loud  voice,  "  O 
sword,  if  this  man  be  guilty,  do  thy  duty ;  but  if  he  be, 
as  he  has  declared  in  his  dying  moments,  innocent,  then 
become  thou  harmless."  With  these  words  Yussuf  drew 
his  sword,  and  exhibited  a  lath  of  palm-wood.  "  He  is 
innocent,  O  caliph;  this  man,  being  unjustly  condemned, 
ought  to  be  set  free." 

**  Most  certainly,"  replied  the  caliph,  delighted  with 
the  manoeuvre  of  Yussuf,  "  let  him  be  liberated.  Chief 
of  the  beeldars,  we  cannot  part  with  a  man,  who,  like 
Yussuf,  possesses  so  famous  a  weapon.  Let  there  be 
ten  more  beeldars  appointed,  and  let  Yussuf  have  the 
command  of  them  as  chief,  with  the  same  perquisites  and 
salary  as  the  other  chiefs." 

Yussuf  prostrated  himself  before  the  caliph,  delighted 
with  his  good  fortune,  and  as  he  retired,  he  exclaimed, 
"I  am  Yussuf;  my  trust  is  in  God.  Allah  preserve  the 
three  Moussul  merchants." 

It  was  not  long  before  the  caliph,  GiafFar,  and  Mesrour 
appeared  again  as  the  merchants  to  Yussuf,  and  heartily 
enjoyed  his  discomfiture  and  confusion,  when  they  dis- 
covered themselves.  Still  Yussuf  enjoyed  the  favour  of 
Haroun  to  the  end  of  his  life,  and  was  more  fortunate 
than  GiafFar  and  others,  who  only  once  fell  under  the 
wrath  and  suspicion  of  the  all-powerful  caliph. 

"  Such,  O  pacha,  is  the  history  of  Yussuf,  the  water- 
carrier." 

"  Yes,  and  a  very  good  story  too.  Have  you  not 
another,  Menouni  ?  " 

**  Your  highness,"  repHed  Mustapha,  "  the  caravan  will 
depart  at  break  of  day,  and  Menouni  has  but  three  hours 
to  prepare.  It  can  no  longer  be  detained  without  the 
chief  making  a  report  to  the  authorities,  which  would 
not  be  well  received." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ;^^^ 

*•  Be  It  so, '  replied  the  pacha  -,  "  Let  Menouni  be  re- 
warded, and  we  will  try  to  find  some  other  storyteller, 
until  his  return  from  his  pilgrimage." 


Chapter  XIX 

**  MusTAPHA,"  observed  the  pacha,  taking  his  pipe  out  of 
his  mouth,  **  what  makes  the  poets  talk  so  much  about 
the  Book  of  Fate  ?  " 

"  The  Book  of  Fate,  your  highness,  is  where  is  written 
our  Talleh,  or  destiny.     Can  I  say  more  ?  " 

"  Allah  acbar  !  God  is  great  !  and  it  is  well  said.  But 
why  a  book,  when  nobody  can  read  it  ?  " 

"  These  are  great  words,  and  spiced  with  wisdom.  O 
pacha !  doth  not  Hafiz  say,  *  Every  moment  you  enjoy, 
count  it  gain.'  Who  can  say  what  will  be  the  event  of 
anything  ? " 

"  Wallah  thaib  !  well  said,  by  Allah  !  Then  why  a 
book,  if  the  book  is  sealed  ?  " 

"  Yet  there  are  wise  men  who  can  read  our  Kismet,  and 
foretell." 

"  Yes,  very  true ;  but  I  have  observed  that  it  is  not 
until  after  an  event  has  happened,  that  they  tell  you  of 
it.  What  are  these  astrologers  ?  Bosh — nothing — I  have 
said."  And  the  pacha  remained  some  time  smoking  his 
pipe  in  silence. 

"  May  it  please  your  highness,"  observed  Mustapha,  "  I 
have  outside  a  wretch  who  is  anxious  to  crawl  into  your 
presence.  He  comes  from  the  far-distant  land  of  Kathay 
— an  unbeliever,  with  two  tails." 

"  Two  tails  !  was  he  a  pacha  in  his  own  country  ?  " 

**  A  pacha  !  Staffir  Allah  ! — God  forgive  me  !  A  dog 
— a  most  miserable  dog — on  my  eyes  be  it ;  but  still  he 
hath  two  tails." 

"  Let  the  dog  with  two  tails  be  admitted,"  replied  the 
pacha.     "  We  have  said  it." 


334  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

A  yellow-skinned,  meagre,  and  wrinkled  old  Chinaman 
was  brought  in  between  two  of  the  guards.  His  eyes 
were  very  small  and  bleared,  his  cheek-bones  prominent ; 
all  that  could  be  discovered  of  his  nose  were  two  ex- 
panded nostrils  at  its  base ;  his  mouth  of  an  enormous 
width,  with  teeth  as  black  as  ink.  As  soon  as  the  guards 
stopped,  he  slipped  down  from  between  them  on  his 
knees,  and  throwing  forward  his  body,  kow-tow-ed  with 
his  head  in  the  dust  nine  times,  and  then  remained  with 
his  face  down  on  the  floor. 

"  Let  the  dog  with  two  tails  rise,"  said  the  pacha. 

This  order  not  being  immediately  obeyed  by  the  servile 
Chinaman,  each  of  the  two  guards  who  stood  by  him 
seized  one  of  the  plaited  tails  of  hair,  which  were  nearly 
an  ell  in  length,  and  pulled  up  his  head  from  the  floor. 
The  Chinaman  then  remained  cross-legged,  with  his  eyes 
humbly  fixed  upon  the  ground. 

"  Who  art  thou,  dog  ?  "  said  the  pacha,  pleased  with 
the  man's  humility. 

"  I  am  of  Kathay  and  your  vilest  slave,"  replied  the 
man,  in  good  Turkish.  **  In  my  own  country  I  was  a 
poet.  Destiny  hath  brought  me  here,  and  I  now  work 
in  the  gardens  of  the  palace." 

**  If  you  are  a  poet,  you  can  tell  me  many  a  story." 

"  Your  slave  has  told  thousands  in  his  lifetime,  such 
hath  been  my  fate." 

"Talking  about  fate,"  said  Mustapha,  "can  you  tell 
his  highness  a  story,  in  which  destiny  has  been  foretold 
and  hath  been  accomplished  ?     If  so,  begin." 

"  There  is  a  story  of  my  own  country,  O  vizier !  in 
which  destiny  was  foretold,  and  was  most  unhappily 
accomplished." 

"You  may  proceed,"  said  Mustapha,  at  a  sign  from 
the  pacha. 

The  Chinaman  thrust  his  hand  into  the  breast  of  his 
blue  cotton  shirt,  and  pulled  out  a  sort  of  instrument 
made  from  the  shell  of  a  tortoise,  with  three  or  four 
strings  stretched  across,  and  in  a  low,  monotonous  tone, 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  335 

something  between  a  chant  and  a  whine,  not  altogether 
unmusical,  he  commenced  his  story.  But  first  he  struck 
his  instrument,  and  ran  over  a  short  prelude,  which  may 
be  imagined  by  a  series  of  false  notes,  running  as 
follows : — 

Ti-tum,  titum,  tilly-lilly,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  titum, 
tiljy-lilly,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  ti. 

As  he  proceeded  in  his  story,  whenever  he  was  out 
of  breath,  he  stopped,  and  struck  a  few  notes  of  his 
barbarous  music. 


THE   WONDROUS   TALE   OF  HAN. 

Who  was  more  impassioned  in  his  nature,  who  was 
more  formed  for  love,  than  the  great  Han  Koong  Shew, 
known  in  the  celestial  archives  as  the  sublime  Youantee, 
brother  of  the  sun  and  moon  ? — whose  court  was  so 
superb  —  whose  armies  were  so  innumerable  —  whose 
territories  were  so  vast — bounded  as  they  were  by  the 
four  seas,  which  bound  the  whole  universe  ?  yet  was 
he  bound  by  destiny  to  be  unhappy,  and  thus  do  I 
commence  the  wondrous  Tale  of  Han  —  the  sorrows 
of  the  magnificent  Youantee. 

Ti-tum,  tilly-lilly 

Yes,  he  felt  that  some  one  thing  was  wanting.  All  his 
power,  his  wealth,  his  dignity,  filled  not  his  soul  with 
pleasure.  He  turned  from  the  writings  of  the  great  Fo — 
he  closed  the  book.  Alas !  he  sighed  for  a  second  self 
to  whom  he  might  point  out — **  All  this  is  mine."  His 
heart  yearned  for  a  fair  damsel — a  maid  of  beauty — to 
whose  beauty  he  might  bow.  He,  to  whom  the  world 
was  prostrate,  the  universe  were  slaves,  longed  for  an 
amorous  captivity,  and  sighed  for  chains.  But  where 
was  the  maiden  to  be  found,  worthy  to  place  fetters 
upon  the  brother  of  the  sun  and  moon — the  magnificent 
master  of  the  universe  ?     Where  was  she  to  be  found  ? 

Ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  ti. 


^^6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

Yes,  there  was  one,  and  but  one,  worthy  to  be  his 
mate,  worthy  to  be  the  queen  of  a  land  of  eternal  spring, 
filled  with  trees,  whose  stems  were  of  gold,  branches  of 
silver,  leaves  of  emerald,  and  whose  fruits  were  the 
fragrant  apples  of  immortality.  And  where  was  this 
moon,  fit  bride  unto  the  sun  ?  Was  she  not  plunged 
in  grief — hidden  in  a  well  of  her  own  tears — even  in  the 
gardens  of  joy  ?  Those  eyes  which  should  have  sunned 
a  court  of  princes,  were  dimmed  with  eternal  sorrow. 
And  who  was  the  cause  of  this  eclipse,  but  the  miscreant, 
gold-loving  minister,  Suchong  Pollyhong  Ka-te-tow. 

Ti-tum,  tilly-lilly. 

The  mandarins  were  summoned  by  the  great  Youantee, 
the  court  in  its  splendour  bowed  down  their  heads 
into  the  dust  of  delight  as  they  listened  to  the  miracle 
of  his  eloquence.  "Hear  me,  ye  first  chop  mandarins, 
peers,  lords,  and  princes  of  the  empire.  Listen  to  the 
words  of  Youantee.  Hath  not  each  bird  that  skims 
the  air,  its  partner  in  the  nest  ?  Hath  not  each  beast 
its  mate  ?  Have  not  you  all  eyes  which  beam  but  upon 
you  alone  ?  Am  I  then  so  unfortunately  great,  or  so 
greatly  unfortunate,  that  I  may  not  be  permitted  to  descend 
to  love  ?  Even  the  brother  of  the  sun  and  moon  cannot, 
during  his  career  on  earth,  exist  alone.  Seek,  then, 
through  the  universe,  a  maiden  for  thy  lord,  that  like 
my  brother,  the  sun,  who  sinks  each  night  into  the  bosom 
of  the  ocean,  I  too  may  repose  upon  the  bosom  of  my  mate. 
Seek,  I  say,  search  each  corner  of  the  world,  that  its 
treasures  may  be  poured  forth  at  our  golden  feet,  and 
one  gem  be  selected  for  our  especial  wear.  But  first, 
O  wise  men  and  astrologers,  summon  ye  the  planets  and 
stars  of  destiny,  that  they  may  ascertain  whether,  by  this 
conjunction,  aught  of  evil  be  threatened  to  our  celestial 
person,  or  to  our  boundless  empire." 

Ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  ti. 

Where  is  the  star  which  leaps  not  in  his  course  with 
delight,  to  obey  the  wishes  of  the  brother  of  the  sun  and 
moon  }  Where  was  the  planet  that  rejoiced  not  to  assist 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  '^2>7 

so  near  a  relative  ?  Yes,  they  all  hearkened,  bowing  down 
to  the  astrolabes  of  the  astrologers,  like  generous  steeds^ 
who  knelt  to  receive  their  riders  ;  yet,  when  they  all  did 
meet  to  throw  light  upon  the  required  page  of  destiny, 
was  not  their  brightness  dimmed  when  they  perceived, 
as  they  read  it,  that  it  was  full  of  tears,  and  that  joy 
floated  but  as  a  bubble  ?  The  wise  men  sighed  as  the 
decree  of  fate  was  handed  down  to  them,  and  with  their 
faces  to  the  earth,  thus  did  they  impart  the  contents 
of  the  revealed  page  to  the  magnificent  Youantee. 

*'  The  brother  of  the  sun  and  moon  would  wed. 
Beauty  shall  be  laid  at  the  golden  feet,  but  the  pearl 
beyond  price  will  be  found  and  lost.  There  will  be  joy 
and  there  will  be  sorrow.  Joy  in  Hfe,  sorrow  both  in  life 
and  death ;  for  a  black  dragon,  foe  to  the  celestial  empire, 
threatens  like  an  overhanging  cloud.  More  the  stars  dare 
not  reveal." 

Ti-tum,  till-lilly,  ti-tum,  ti. 

Here  the  pacha  looked  at  Mustapha  and  nodded  his 
head  in  approbation,  as  much  as  to  say,  "  Now  we  are 
coming  to  the  point."  Mustapha  bowed,  and  the  Chinese 
poet  continued. 

The  golden  eyes  of  the  great  Youantee  were  filled 
with  silver  tears  when  the  page  of  destiny  was  made 
known;  but  the  sun  of  hope  rose,  and  bore  away  the 
sacred  dew  to  heaven.  Then  called  he  the  minister,  ever 
to  be  disgraced  in  story,  Suchong  PoUyhong  Ka-te-tow, 
and  the  emperor  desired  him  to  make  a  progress  through 
the  universe,  his  dominions,  to  find  out  the  most  beautiful 
maidens,  to  be  brought  to  the  celestial  feet,  at  the  coming 
feast  of  Lanthorns.  But  before  they  could  be  permitted 
to  shoot  up  the  rays  of  love  through  the  mist  of  glory 
which  surrounded  the  imperial  throne  —  before  their 
charms  were  to  make  the  attempt  upon  the  heart  of 
magnanimity,  it  was  necessary,  that  all  their  portraits 
should  be  submitted  to  the  great  Youantee,  in  the  Hall 
p  Y 


;2^^S  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

of  Delight.  That  is  to  say,  out  of  the  twenty  thousand 
virgins  whose  images  were  to  be  impressed  upon  the 
ivory,  one  hundred  only,  selected  by  a  committee  of  taste, 
composed  of  the  first  class  mandarins  and  princes,  were  to 
be  honoured  by  the  beam  of  the  celestial  eye. 

The  avaricious,  gold-seeking,  Suchong  Pollyhong  Ka- 
te-tow had  performed  his  task;  wealth  poured  into 
his  coffers  from  the  ambitious  parents,  who  longed  to  boast 
of  an  alliance  with  the  brother  of  the  sun  and  moon,  and 
many  were  the  ill-favoured  whose  portraits  were  dismissed 
by  the  committee  of  taste,  with  surprise  at  the  minister's 
ideas  of  beauty. 

Now  there  was  a  certain  mandarin,  whose  daughter  had 
long  been  extolled  through  the  province  of  Kartou, 
as  a  miracle  of  beauty,  and  her  father,  Whanghang, 
brought  her  in  a  litter  to  the  minister  Suchong  Pollyhong 
Ka-te-tow.  He  felt  that  her  charms  were  piercing  as  an 
arrow,  and  that  he  had  found  a  fit  mate  for  the  brother 
of  the  sun  and  moon ;  but  his  avarice  demanded  a  sum 
which  the  father  would  not  pay.  Refuse  to  send  her 
portrait  he  dare  not ;  it  was  therefore  ordered  to  be  taken, 
as  well  as  the  others,  and  Whanghang  considered  himself 
as  the  father-in-law  of  the  celestial  Youantee.  The 
young  painter  who  was  employed  finished  his  task, 
then  laid  down  his  pencil,  and  died  with  grief  and  love 
of  such  perfection,  which  he  never  could  hope  to  obtain. 
The  picture  was  sent  to  the  vile  minister,  who  reserved 
it  for  himself,  and  wrote  the  name  of  this  pearl  beyond 
price,  under  that  of  another,  unworthy  to  unloose  her 
zone  as  her  handmaiden.  The  committee  of  taste  did, 
however,  select  that  picture  among  the  hundred  to  be 
placed  in  the  Hall  of  Delight,  not  because  the  picture  was 
beautiful,  but  because  the  fame  of  her  beauty  had  reached 
the  court,  and  they  thought  it  right  that  the  emperor 
should  see  the  picture.  The  virgins  whose  pictures  were 
thus  selected,  were  all  ordered  to  repair  to  the  imperial 
palace,  and  the  magnificent  Youantee  entered  the  Hall 
of    Delight,    which    was    illumined   with    ten    thousand 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  339 

lanthorns,  and  cast  his  eyes  over  the  portraits  of  the 
hundred  beauties,  but  not  one  feature  touched  his  heart, 
he  turned  away  in  disgust  at  the  degenerate  countenances 
of  the  age,  "  Is  this  all,"  exclaimed  he,  "  that  the  world 
can  lay  at  the  feet  of  its  lord  ? "  And  the  committee 
of  taste  prostrated  themselves  when  they  beheld  his 
indignation.  "  And  this,"  exclaimed  he,  pointing  to  the 
supposed  portrait  of  the  daughter  of  Whanghang,  "  who 
is  this  presumptuous  one  who  hath  dared  to  disgrace  with 
her  features  the  Hall  of  Delight  ? " 

"That,  O  emperor,"  said  the  wily  Suchong  Pollyhong 
Ka-te-tow,  **  is  the  far-famed  beauty  Chaoukeun,  whose 
insolent  father  dared  to  say,  that  if  it  was  not  sent, 
he  would  lay  his  complaint  at  the  celestial  feet.  In  her 
province  the  fame  of  her  beauty  was  great,  and  I  did  not 
like  to  be  accused  of  partiality,  so  it  has  been  placed 
before  the  imperial  eye." 

"First,  then,"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  "let  it  be  pro- 
claimed that  the  whole  province  of  Kartou  is  peopled  by 
fools,  and  levy  upon  it  a  fine  of  one  hundred  thousand 
ounces  of  gold,  for  its  want  of  taste ;  and  next,  let  this 
vain  one  be  committed  to  perpetual  seclusion  in  the  eastern 
tower  of  the  imperial  palace.  Let  the  other  maidens  be 
sent  to  their  parents,  for  as  yet  there  is  not  found  a  fit 
bride  for  the  brother  of  the  sun  and  moon." 

The  imperial  mandates  were  obeyed ;  and  thus  was  the 
first  part  of  the  prophecy  fulfilled,  that  "  the  pearl  beyond 
price  would  h^  found  and  lost^'^ 

Ti-tum,  till-lilly,  ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  ti. 

Yes,  she  was  lost,  for  the  resplendent  Chaoukeun  was 
shut  up  to  waste  away  her  peerless  beauty  in  sorrow  and 
in  solitude.  One  small  terrace-walk  was  the  only  spot 
permitted  her  on  which  to  enjoy  the  breezes  of  heaven. 
Night  was  looking  down  in  loveliness,  with  her  countless 
eyes,  upon  the  injustice  and  cruelty  of  men,  when  the 
magnificent  Youantee,  who  had  little  imagined  that  the 
brother  of  the  sun  and  moon  would  be  doomed  to  swallow 
the  bitter  pillau  of  disappointment,  as  had  been  latterly 


340  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

his  custom,  quitted  the  palace  to  walk  in  the  gardens  and 
commune  with  his  own  thoughts,  unattended.  And  it 
pleased  destiny,  that  the  pearl  beyond  price,  the  neglected 
Chaoukeun  also  was  induced,  by  the  beauty  and  stillness 
of  the  night,  to  press  the  shell  sand  which  covered  the 
terrace-walk,  with  her  diminutive  feet,  so  diminutive, 
that  she  almost  tottered  in  her  gait.  The  tear  trembled 
in  her  eye  as  she  thought  of  her  own  happy  home,  and 
bitterly  did  she  bewail  that  beauty,  which,  instead  of 
raising  her  to  a  throne,  had  by  malice  and  avarice  con- 
demned her  to  perpetual  solitude.  She  looked  upwards 
at  the  starry  heaven,  but  felt  no  communion  with  its 
loveliness.  She  surveyed  the  garden  of  sweets  from  the 
terrace,  but  all  appeared  to  be  desolate.  Of  late,  her 
only  companions  had  been  her  tears  and  her  lute,  whose 
notes  were  as  plaintive  as  her  own. 

"  O  my  mother !  "  exclaimed  she ;  "  beloved,  but  too 
ambitious  mother  !  but  for  one  little  hour  to  lay  this  head 
upon  your  bosom !  Fatal  hath  been  the  dream  you  re- 
joiced in  at  my  nativity,  in  which  the  moon  shone  out  so 
brilliantly,  and  then  descended  into  the  earth  at  your 
feet.  I  have  shone  but  a  little,  little  time,  and  now  am 
I  buried,  as  it  were,  in  the  earth,  at  my  joyous  age. 
Immured  in  this  solitary  tower,  my  hopes  destroyed — 
my  portrait  cannot  have  been  seen — and  now  I  am  lost 
for  ever.  Thou  lute,  sole  companion  of  my  woes,  let 
us  join  our  voices  of  complaint.  Let  us  fancy  that  the 
flowers  are  listening  to  our  grief,  and  that  the  dews  upon 
the  half-closed  petals  are  tears  of  pity  for  my  misfortunes." 
And  Chaoukeun  struck  her  lute,  and  thus  poured  out 
her  lament ; 

"  O  tell  me,  thou  all-glorious  sun, 

Were  there  no  earth  to  drink  thy  light, 
Would  not,  in  vain,  thy  course  be  run. 
Thy  reign  be  o'er  a  realm  of  night  ? 

Thus  charms  were  born  to  be  enthroned 

In  hearts,  and  youth  to  be  caress'd ; 
And  beauty  is  not,  if  not  own'd, 

At  least  by  one  adoring  breast. " 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  341 

Ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  ti. 

The  musical  notes  of  the  peerless  Chaoukeun  were  not 
thrown  away  only  upon  flowers  deaf  and  dumb,  they 
vibrated  in  the  ears  of  the  magnificent  Youantee,  who 
had  sat  down  on  the  back  of  an  enormous  metal  dragon, 
which  had  been  placed  in  the  walk  under  the  terrace. 
The  emperor  listened  with  surprise  at  her  soliloquy, 
with  admiration  at  her  enchanting  song.  For  some 
minutes  he  remained  in  a  profound  reverie,  and  then 
rising  from  the  dragon,  he  walked  towards  the  gate  of 
the  tower,  and  clapped  his  hands.  The  eunuch  made 
his  appearance.  "Keeper  of  the  Yellow  Tower,"  said 
the  emperor,  "  but  now  I  heard  the  sounds  of  a  lute." 

"  Even  so,  O  Sustenance  of  the  world,"  responded  the 
slave. 

"  Was  it  not  rather  an  angel  than  a  mortal,  whose 
mellifluous  notes  accompanied  the  instrument  ? "  said  the 
magnificent  Youantee. 

"Certainly  is  she  blessed  beyond  mortality,  since  her 
melody  has  found  favour  in  the  celestial  ears,"  replied 
the  black  keeper  of  the  Yellow  Tower. 

"  Go  then,  and  quickly  summon  all  our  highest  officers 
of  state,  to  lay  their  robes  upon  the  ground,  that  she  may 
pass  over  them  to  our  presence  at  the  dragon  below  the 
terrace." 

The  magnificent  Youantee,  brother  of  the  sun  and 
moon,  returned  to  his  former  seat,  filled  with  pleasing 
anticipations,  while  the  eunuch  hastened  to  obey  the 
celestial  commands.  The  mandarins  of  the  first  class 
hastened  to  obey  the  orders  of  Youantee;  their  furred 
and  velvet  cloaks,  rich  in  gold  and  silver  ornaments, 
were  spread  from  the  tower  to  the  dragon  at  the  terrace, 
forming  a  path  rich  and  beautiful  as  the  milky  way  in 
the  heavens.  The  pearl  beyond  price,  the  peerless 
Chaonkeun,  like  the  moon  in  her  splendour,  passed  over 
it  into  the  presence  of  the  great  Youantee. 

"  Immortal  Fo,"  exclaimed  the  emperor,  as  the  attend- 
ants raised  their  lanterns,  so  as  to  throw  light  upon  her 


342  The  Paeha  of  Many  Tales 

countenance,  "  by  what  black  mischance  have  such  charms 
been  hidden  from  our  sight  ?  " 

Then  did  the  peerless  Chaoukeun  narrate,  in  few  words, 
the  treachery  and  avarice  of  Suchong  PoUyhong  Ka-te- 
tow. 

"  Hasten,  O  mandarins,  let  the  scissors  of  disgrace  cut 
off  the  two  tails  of  this  wretch,  and  then  let  the  sword 
of  justice  sever  off  his  head." 

But  the  rumour  of  his  sentence  flew  on  the  wind  to 
Suchong  PoUyhong  Ka-te-tow ;  and  before  the  executioner 
could  arrive,  he  had  mounted  a  horse  fleeter  than  the  wind, 
and  with  the  portrait  of  the  peerless  Chaoukeun  in  his 
vest,  had  left  even  rumour  far  behind. 

Ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  ti. 

And  to  whom  did  the  miscreant  minister  fly,  to  hide 
his  devoted  head  ?  He  flew  to  the  wild  nations  of  the 
north,  the  riders  of  wild  horses,  with  sharp  scimitars 
and  long  lances.  For  three  days  and  three  nights  did 
the  hoofs  of  his  fiery  steed  strike  fire  upon  the  flints, 
which  he  spurned  in  his  impetuous  course,  and  then,  as 
an  immortal  poet  hath  already  sung,  "  he  bowed  his 
head  and  died."  With  the  portrait  of  the  peerless 
Chaoukeun  in  his  bosom,  and  his  mandarin  garments 
raised  up  under  each  arm,  the  miscreant  Suchong  Polly- 
hong  Ka-te-tow  reached  the  presence  of  the  Great  Khan. 
**  O  Khan  of  Tartary,"  said  he,  "  may  thy  sword  be  ever 
keen,  thy  lance  unerring,  and  thy  courser  swift.  I  am 
thy  slave.  O  thou  who  commandest  a  hundred  thousand 
warriors,  hath  thy  slave  permission  to  address  thee  ? " 

**  Speak,   and  be  d d,"  replied  the  warrior  chief, 

of  few  words,  whose  teeth  were  busy  with  some  pounds 
of  horse-flesh. 

"  Thou  knowest,  O  Khan,  that  it  hath  been  the  custom 
for  ages,  that  the  celestial  empire  should  provide  for  thee 
a  fair  damsel  for  thy  nuptial  bed,  and  that  this  hath  been 
the  price  paid  by  the  celestial  court,  to  prevent  the  ravages 
of  thy  insatiate  warriors.  O  Khan,  there  is  a  maid,  whose 
lovely  features  I  now  have  with  me,  most  worthy  to  be 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  343 

raised  up  to  thy  nuptial  couch."  And  the  miscreant  laid 
at  the  feet  of  the  Great  Khan  the  portrait  of  the  peerless 
Chaoukeun. 

The  chief  finished  his  repast,  and  then  with  his  lance 
turned  over  the  image  of  the  pearl  beyond  all  price.  He 
looked  at  it,  then  passed  it  to  those  around  him.  The 
savage  warriors  stared  at  the  lovely  portrait,  and  admired 
it  not — yet  did  they  long  for  war.  "  Tell  me,  O  chiefs," 
said  the  Great  Khan,  "  is  that  baby-face  you  look  at  worth 
contending  for  ? " 

And,  with  one  voice,  the  chiefs  replied  that  she  was 
worthy  to  share  the  nuptial  couch  of  the  Great  Khan. 

**Be  it  so,"  replied  he,  **I  am  no  judge  of  beauty. 
Let  the  encampment  be  broken  up — this  evening  we  move 
southwards."  And  the  Tartar  chief  entered  the  northern 
provinces  of  the  celestial  empire,  with  his  hundred  thousand 
warriors,  destroying  all  with  fire  and  sword,  proving  his 
sincere  wish  to  unite  himself  to  the  Chinese  nation  by 
the  indiscriminate  slaughter  of  man,  woman,  and  child; 
and  his  ardent  love  for  the  peerless  Chaoukeun,  by  making 
a  nuptial  torch  of  every  town  and  village. 

Ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  ti. 

But  we  must  return  to  the  celestial  court,  and  astonish 
the  world  with  the  wonderful  events  which  there  took 
place.  The  astrologers  and  wise  men  had  consulted  the 
heavens,  and  had  ascertained  that  on  the  thirty-third 
minute  after  the  thirteenth  hour,  the  marriage  procession 
must  set  out,  or  the  consummation  would  not  be  prosperous. 
Who  can  describe  the  pomp  and  glory  of  the  spectacle, 
or  give  an  adequate  idea  of  its  splendour  ?  Alas !  it 
would  not  be  possible,  even  if  it  were  attempted  by  ten 
thousand  poets,  each  with  ten  thousand  tongues  of  silver, 
singing  for  ten  thousand  years.  Such,  however,  was  the 
order  of  the  procession. 

First  walked  ten  thousand  officers  of  justice,  with  long 
bamboos,  striking  right  and  left  to  clear  the  way,  to  the 
cadence  of  soft  music,  blending  with  the  plaintive  cries 
of  those  who  limped  away  and  rubbed  their  shins. 


344  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

Then  marching,  ten  abreast,  one  hundred  thousand 
lanthorns  to  assist  the  sun,  partially  eclipsed  by  the 
splendour  of  the  procession. 

Next  appeared,  slowly  keeping  time  to  a  dead  march, 
five  thousand  decapitated  criminals,  each  carrying  his  own 
head  by  its  long  tail  of  hair. 

"  StafEr  Allah  !  "What  is  that  but  a  lie  ? "  exclaimed  the 
pacha.  "  Did  you  hear  what  the  dog  has  dared  to  breathe 
into  our  ears,  Mustapha  ?  " 

"  Mighty  pacha,"  replied  the  Chinaman,  with  humility, 
"  if  your  wisdom  pronounces  it  to  be  a  lie — a  lie  it  most 
certainly  must  be ;  still  it  is  not  the  lie  of  your  slave,  who 
but  repeats  the  story  as  handed  down  by  the  immortal 
eastern  poet." 

"Nevertheless,  there  appears  to  be  a  trifling  mistake," 
observed  Mustapha.  "Is  the  procession  to  proceed,  O 
pacha?" 

**  Yes,  yes ;  but  by  the  Prophet,  let  the  dog  tremble  if 
again  he  presumes  to  laugh  at  our  beards." 

After  the  decapitated  criminals,  which  your  highness 
objects  to,  came  in  procession  those  criminals  with  their 
heads  on,  who  were  to  suffer  for  their  offences  on  this  day 
of  universal  happiness. 

First  came  two  thousand  robbers,  sentenced  to  be  hung 
up  by  their  heels,  emblematic  of  their  wish  to  turn  every- 
thing upside  down — so  to  remain  until  they  were  pecked 
to  death  by  the  crows,  or  torn  to  pieces  by  the  vultures. 

The  banner  of  innovation. 

One  of  the  robber  chiefs,  ordered  to  be  choked  with  an 
abacus,  which  was  suspended  round  his  neck. 

Another  of  the  robber  chiefs.  This  man,  although  a 
follower  of  the  court,  and  sunned  in  the  celestial  presence, 
had  dared  to  utter  vile  falsehoods  against  the  celestial 
dynasty.  He  was  sentenced  to  have  his  skin  peeled  off, 
and  to  eat  his  own  words,  until  he  died  from  the  virulent 
poison  which  they  contained. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  345 

The  most  important  of  all  the  criminals  next  appeared, 
who  being  great  in  favour  at  court,  and  appointed  to  the 
high  office  of  physician  to  the  celestial  conscience,  had 
been  discovered  in  the  base  attempt  of  drugging  it  with 
opium  ;  he  had  also  committed  several  other  enormities, 
such  as  being  intoxicated  in  his  mandarin  robes,  and 
throwing  mud  at  the  first  chief  mandarin ;  also  of 
throwing  aside  his  robes,  mingling  with  the  lower  classes, 
and  associating  with  mountebanks,  jugglers,  and  tight-rope 
dancers.  His  enormities  were  written  on  a  long  scroll 
suspended  round  his  neck.  His  sentence  was  the  torture 
of  disappointment  and  envy,  previous  to  a  condign  political 
death. 

After  him  came  a  disgraced  yellow  mandarin,  who  had 
been  a  great  enemy  of  the  criminal  who  preceded  him. 
He  was  seated  upon  a  throne  of  jet,  and  his  arms  supported 
in  derision  by  two  prize-fighters.  His  crime  was  playing 
at  pitch  and  toss  with  the  lower  classes.  His  punishment 
was  merely  exposure. 

Such  were  the  criminals  who  were  to  suffer  upon  this 
day  of  universal  happiness  and  delight. 

Then  came  fifty  thousand  archers  of  the  blue  dragon 
battalion,  carrying  in  their  hands  chowries  of  horses'  tails 
to  clear  away  the  blue-bottle  flies. 

Next  appeared  ten  thousand  virgins,  all  modest,  lovely, 
and  in  light  drapery,  singing  hymns  in  praise  of  Ganesa  on 
the  Rat,  the  god  of  pure  Love  ; 

Attended  by  ten  thousand  youths,  who  tickled  the 
said  ten  thousand  virgins,  singing  hymns  in  praise  of  the 
upright  Fo. 

Fifty  thousand  archers  of  the  green  dragon  battalion, 
each  carrying  a  long  peacock's  feather  in  his  right  hand,  to 
ascertain  how  the  wind  blew. 

Five  hundred  physicians  attending  the  celestial  court, 
each  carrying  a  silver  box  with  golden  pills. 

The  head  physician  to  the  celestial  wits,  and  always  in 
attendance  upon  a  crisis.  He  carried  in  his  right  hand  a 
bladder-full  of  peas  at  the  end  of  a  wand,  to  recall  his 


34^  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

majesty's  wits  when  they  wandered ;  and  was  followed 
by 

Fifty  thousand  fools  marching  five  abreast  in  union, 

And  fifty  thousand  rogues,  marching  off  with  everything 
they  could  lay  their  hands  upon. 

Then  came  a  notorious  faquir  and  mendicant,  who  was 
leader  of  a  celebrated  sect.  He  wore  but  one  tail  instead 
of  the  two  usually  worn  by  our  nation,  but  that  tail  was 
of  forty  feet.  He  was  followed  by  numerous  devotees, 
who  threw  their  worldly  goods  at  his  feet,  and  in  return 
he  presented  them  with  writings  and  harangues,  which  he 
declared  were  infallible  in  all  diseases. 

Ten  thousand  young  married  women,  each  hushing  an 
infant  to  repose  upon  the  left  breast  to  the  sound  of 
clarions  and  trumpets,  emblematical  of  the  peaceful  and 
quiet  state  of  matrimony. 

The  banner  of  impudence. 

Five  thousand  political  mountebanks,  contradicting  each 
other,  and  exerting  themselves  for  the  amusement  of  the 
people,  who,  however,  suffered  rather  severely  from  their 
mad  tricks. 

The  second  in  command,  explaining  their  system  in  an 
unknown  tongue. 

The  emperor's  juggler,  who  astonished  the  whole 
empire  by  his  extraordinary  feats,  and  the  rapidity  with 
which  he  relieved  them  of  all  the  money  in  their 
pockets. 

The  banner  of  Love. 

The  celestial  secretary,  with  goose -wings  on  his 
shoulders,  goose-quills  in  each  hand,  looking  very  much 
like  a  goose  mounted  on  a  mule,  gaily  caparisoned  in 
colours  quadripartite,  and  covered  with  jingling  brass 
bells. 

Five  thousand  old  women,  singing  the  praises  of  the 
said  secretary  and  taking  snuiF  to  the  flourish  of  hautboys. 

The  prosperity  of  the  celestial  empire,  carried  by  the 
court  fool,  in  a  basket  beautifully  carved  out  of  a  wild 
cherry-stone  ;  and  guarded  by 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  347 

Fifty  thousand  archers  of  the  red  dragon  battalion, 
picking  their  teeth  to  soft  music. 

Ten  thousand  poets,  each  singing  at  the  same  time,  and 
to  a  different  tune,  his  ode  upon  this  joyful  occasion. 

The  immortal  poet  of  the  age,  attired  in  velvet  to  his 
feet,  and  superbly  ornamented  with  rings  and  chains  of 
gold  and  precious  stones.  He  carried  his  silver  harp  in 
his  hand,  and  was  mounted  on  a  beautiful  white  jackass 
with  his  face  towards  the  tail,  that  he  might  behold  and  be 
inspired  by  the  charms  of  the  peerless  Chaoukeun,  the 
pearl  beyond  all  price. 

Then  came  the  magnificent  Youantee,  and  the  peerless 
Chaoukeun,  seated  in  the  massive  car  of  gossamer  richly 
studded  with  the  eyes  of  live  humming  birds,  drawn  by 
twelve  beautiful  blue  loadstars,  presented  by  the  heavenly 
bodies  to  the  brother  of  the  sun  and  moon. 

Twenty  thousand  young  men,  beautiful  as  angels,  clad 
in  the  skins  of  the  black  fox,  and  playing  upon  ivory 
jews'-harps,  all  mounted  upon  coal-black  steeds. 

Twenty  thousand  niggers,  ugly  as  devils,  clad  in  the 
skins  of  the  white  polar  bear,  and  sounding  mellifluous 
cat-calls,  all  mounted  upon  pure  white  Arabian  horses. 

All  the  first-class  mandarins  of  the  celestial  empire, 
turning  up  their  eyes  to  heaven,  and  wishing  that  the 
procession  was  over. 

All  the  second-class  mandarins  of  the  celestial  empire, 
choked  with  dust,  and  wishing  the  procession  at  the  devil. 

Twenty  millions  of  the  people,  extolling  the  liberality 
of  the  great  emperor,  and  crying  out  for  bread. 

Ten  millions  of  women,  who  had  lost  their  children  in 
the  crowd,  and  were  crying  out  bitterly  in  their  search. 

Ten  millions  of  children  who  had  lost  their  mothers 
in  the  crowd,  and  were  crying  out  bitterly  till  they  found 
them. 

The  remainder  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  celestial 
empire. 

Such  was  the  grand  and  pompous  marriage  procession, 
which  employed  the  whole  population,  so  that  there  were 


34^  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

no  spectators  except  three  blind  old  women,  who  were 
so  overcome  with  delight  that,  when  it  had  passed,  they 
bowed  their  heads  and  died. 

Ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  ti. 

The  procession  arrived  at  the  palace,  and  the  pearl  of 
price  was  now  his  bride,  and  the  heart  of  Youantee  was 
oppressed  with  love.  Upon  a  jewelled  throne  they  sat, 
side  by  side  ;  but  what  was  the  blaze  of  the  diamonds, 
compared  to  one  glance  from  her  lightning  eye  ?  What 
were  the  bright  red  rubies,  compared  to  her  parted  coral 
lips — or  the  whiteness  of  the  pearls,  when  she  smiled,  and 
displayed  her  teeth  ?  Her  arched  eyebrows  were  more 
beautifully  pencilled  than  the  rainbow ;  the  blush  upon 
her  cheek  turned  pale  with  envy  every  rose  in  the  celestial 
gardens ;  and  in  compassion  to  the  court,  many  of  whom 
were  already  blind,  by  rashly  lifting  up  their  eyes  to 
behold  her  charms,  an  edict  had  been  promulgated,  by 
which  it  was  permitted  to  the  mandarins  and  princes 
attending  the  court,  to  wear  green  spectacles  to  save  their 
eyes.  The  magnificent  Youantee  was  consumed  with  love 
as  with  a  raging  fever,  and  the  physicians  of  the  emperor 
were  alarmed  for  his  celestial  health ;  by  their  advice, 
Chaoukeun  consented  only  to  receive  him  in  a  darkened 
chamber.  All  was  joy.  The  empire  rang  with  the  praises 
of  the  pearl  beyond  all  price.  The  gaols  were  ordered  to 
be  levelled  to  the  ground — criminals  to  be  pardoned — the 
sword  of  justice  to  remain  in  its  scabbard — the  bastinado 
to  be  discontinued.  Even  the  odious  lanthorn-tax  was 
taken  off,  in  honour  of  the  peerless  Chaoukeun,  whose 
praises  were  celebrated  by  all  the  poets  of  the  country, 
until  they  were  too  hoarse  to  sing,  and  the  people  too 
tired  to  listen  to  them. 

Ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  ti. 

"I'm  sure  I  don't  wonder  at  their  being  tired,"  observed 
the  pacha,  yawning,  "  if  they  were  like  you." 

"  God  is  great,"  replied  Mustapha,  with  another  yawn. 
"  Shall  he  proceed  ? " 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  349 

**  Yes,  let  him  go  on ;  wake  me  when  the  story  is 
ended,"  replied  the  pacha,  laying  down  his  pipe. 

Alas !  how  soon  was  all  this  delirium  of  happiness  to  be 
overthrown :  how  soon  was  the  prophecy  to  be  fulfilled, 
that  there  should  be  not  only  joy  in  life,  but  also  sorrow  ! 
The  magnificent  Youantee  was  roused  from  his  dream  of 
delight  by  courier  after  courier  coming  in,  and  laying  at 
the  celestial  feet  tidings  of  the  advance  of  the  hundred 
thousand  warriors.  A  solemn  council  was  summoned, 
and  the  imperial  edict  was  passed,  that  the  barbarians  of 
the  north  should  be  driven  back  to  their  lands  of  eternal 
frost  and  snow.  The  imperial  armies  departed  from 
the  capital,  each  individual  composing  its  hundreds  of 
thousands,  vowing  by  his  two  tails  that  he  would  eat  all 
that  he  killed.  This  bloody  vow  was  accompHshed,  for 
they  killed  none  ;  they  returned  discomfited,  without 
their  bows,  or  arrows,  or  their  swords,  fleeing  before  the 
rage  of  the  Tartar  chief.  Then  rose  the  great  Youantee 
in  wrath,  and  issued  another  edict  that  the  barbarians 
should  be  driven  even  into  the  sea  which  bounds  the 
empire  of  the  world.  And  the  armies  were  again  sent 
forth,  but  again  they  returned  discomfited,  saying,  "  How 
can  we,  who  eat  rice  with  chopsticks,  combat  with 
barbarians,  who  not  only  ride  on  horses,  but  eat  them 
too  ? "  The  celestial  edict  was  not  attended  to  by  the 
Tartars,  for  they  were  barbarians,  and  knew  no  better; 
and  they  continued  to  advance  until  within  one  day's 
progress  of  the  celestial  capital;  and  the  brother  of  the 
sun  and  moon,  the  magnificent  Youantee,  was  forced  to 
submit  to  the  disgrace  of  receiving  an  envoy  from  the 
barbarians,  who  thus  spoke,  in  sugared  words  : — 

"The  great  khan  of  Tartary  greets  the  magnificent 
Youantee ;  he  has  slaughtered  some  millions  of  his 
subjects,  because  they  were  traitors,  and  would  not  defend 
the  celestial  throne.  He  has  burnt  some  thousands  of  his 
towns,  that  the  great  Youantee  may  order  them  to  be 
rebuilt  in  greater  beauty.     All  this  has  he  done  with  much 


350  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

trouble  and  fatigue,  to  prove  his  regard  to  the  magnificent 
Youantee.  All  that  he  asks  in  return  is,  that  he  may 
receive  as  his  bride  the  peerless  Chaoukeun,  the  pearl 
beyond  all  price." 

The  great  Youantee  spoke  from  his  celestial  throne — 
"  Return  my  thanks  to  the  great  khan  your  master,  for  his 
considerate  conduct,  and  tell  him,  that  he  well  deserves  a 
bride  from  our  celestial  empire,  but  the  pearl  beyond  all 
price  is  wedded  to  the  brother  of  the  sun  and  moon.  Any 
other  maiden  in  our  empire  shall  be  sent  to  him  with  gifts 
worthy  to  be  offered  by  the  great  Youantee,  and  worthy 
to  be  accepted  by  the  great  khan  of  Tartary.  Let  it  be 
an  edict." 

But  the  Tartar  replied,  *'  O  great  monarch,  the  great 
khan  my  master  does  not  require  an  edict,  but  the  peerless 
Chaoukeun.  If  I  return  without  her,  he  enters  the 
celestial  city,  and  spares  not  man,  or  woman,  or  child." 
Then  fell  at  the  celestial  feet  all  the  princes  and  mandarins 
of  every  class,  performing  solemnly  the  great  konv  toiv,  and 
the  chief  minister  of  state  spoke  thus: — "Lord  of  the 
universe,  brother  of  the  sun  and  moon,  who  governs  the 
world  with  thine  edicts,  whose  armies  are  invincible,  and 
numerous  as  the  sands  upon  the  shores  of  the  four  seas, 
listen  to  thy  faithful  slaves.  Surrender  up  to  this  bar- 
barian the  pearl  beyond  all  price,  so  shall  we  all  live  to 
humble  ourselves  before  thee."  And  all  the  princes  and 
mandarins  cried  out  with  one  voice,  "  Surrender  up  the 
pearl  beyond  all  price."  And  all  the  brave  generals  drew 
their  swords,  and  waved  them  in  the  air,  crying  out, 
**  Surrender  up  to  this  barbarian  the  pearl  beyond  all 
price."  And  all  the  army  and  all  the  people  joined  in  the 
request. 

Then  rose  up  Youantee  in  great  wrath,  and  ordered 
that  the  prime  minister,  and  all  the  mandarins,  and  the 
princes,  and  all  the  generals,  and  all  the  army,  and  all  the 
people,  should  be  disgraced  and  decapitated  forthwith. 
"  Let  it  be  an  edict,''^  But  as  there  was  no  one  left  to  put 
the  great  Youantee's  edict  into  force,  it  was  not  obeyed. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  351 

And  the  brother  of  the  sun  and  moon  perceived  that  he 
was  in  the  minority ;  concealing  therefore  his  bile,  he 
graciously  ordered  refreshments  for  the  envoy,  saying, 
"  Let  the  dog  be  fed,"  and  retired  to  the  apartment  of  the 
peerless  Chaoukeun. 

Ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  ti-tum,  ti. 
Now  the  beauteous  empress  had  listened  to  all  that  had 
taken  place  in  the  great  hall  of  audience,  and  she  threw 
herself  at  the  celestial  feet,  saying,  "  Let  me  be  sacrificed 
— it  is  my  destiny.  Send  your  slave  to  the  great  khan  to 
do  with  me  as  he  pleases — I  am  all  submission.  They  say 
he  is  a  handsome  man,  and  of  great  size  and  strength.  It 
is  my  destiny." 

Then  did  the  great  Youantee  shed  bitter  tears  at  his 
bitter  fate ;  bnt  he  knew  it  was  his  destiny — and  O  destiny, 
who  can  resist  thee  ?  He  wiped  his  celestial  eyes,  and 
leading  forth  the  peerless  Chaoukeun,  put  her  in  the  hands 
of  the  barbarian  envoy,  saying,  *'  I  send  your  master  the 
pearl  beyond  all  price.  I  have  worn  her  for  some  time, 
but  still  she  is  as  good  as  new.  And  now  let  your  master 
the  great  khan  return,  with  his  hundred  thousand  warriors, 
to  the  confines  of  our  territories,  as  it  was  agreed.  Thou 
hearest.     It  is  an  edict." 

"  It  is  enough  that  my  great  master  hath  given  his  word, 
and  the  great  Youantee  hath  given  the  pearl  beyond  all 
price.  There  needs  not  an  edict,"  replied  the  envoy, 
departing  with  the  peerless  Chaoukeun.  Thus  was  the 
magnificent  Youantee  left  without  a  bride. 

Now  when  the  envoy  had  brought  the  peerless  Chaou- 
keun in  a  close  litter  to  the  tent  of  the  great  khan,  he 
forthwith  commanded  his  army  to  return.  Much  to  the 
mortification  of  the  peerless  damsel,  he  did  not  express  any 
curiosity  to  behold  her,  but  commenced  a  rapid  retreat, 
and,  in  a  few  days,  arrived  at  the  confines  of  the  celestial 
territory,  which  was  separated  from  the  Tartar  dominions 
by  an  impetuous  river.  As  soon  as  he  had  forded  the  river, 
he  encamped  on  the  other  side,  and  sat  down  with  his 
generals   to   a   sumptuous  feast  of  horseflesh  and  quass. 


352  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

When  the  liquor  had  mounted  into  his  brain,  he  desired 
that  the  litter  of  the  pearl  beyond  all  price  should  be 
brought  nigh  to  his  tent,  that  he  might  send  for  her,  if  so 
inclined.  And  the  peerless  Chaoukeun  peeped  out  of  the 
litter,  and  beheld  the  great  khan  as  he  caroused ;  and  when 
she  beheld  his  hairy  form,  his  gleaming  eyes,  his  pug-nose, 
and  his  tremendously  wide  mouth — when  she  perceived 
that  he  had  the  form  and  features  of  a  ghoul,  or  evil  spirit, 
she  wrung  her  hands,  and  wept  bitterly,  and  all  her  love 
returned  for  the  magnificent  Youantee. 

Now  the  great  khan  was  drunk  with  quass,  and  he 
ordered  the  pearl  beyond  all  price  to  be  brought  to  him, 
and  she  replied  trembling,  saying,  "  Tell  your  lord  that  I 
am  not  fit  to  appear  in  his  sublime  presence  until  I  have 
washed  myself  in  the  river."  And  those  who  had  charge 
of  her  took  the  message  to  the  great  khan,  who  replied, 
"  Let  her  wash,  since  she  is  so  dirty." 

Then  was  the  litter  of  the  peerless  Chaoukeun  taken 
down  to  the  banks  of  the  river,  and  she  stood  upon  a  rock 
which  overhung  the  black  waters.  "  How  callest  thou 
this  river  ?  "  said  she  to  her  attendants. 

And  they  replied,  "  This  river,  O  princess,  divides  the 
territory  of  Tartary  from  China,  and  it  is  called  the  river 
of  the  Black  Dragon," 

"  Then  is  the  prophecy  fulfilled,"  cried  the  pearl  beyond 
price.     **  It  is  my  destiny  ;  and  destiny,  who  shall  resist  ? " 

She  raised  up  her  arms  to  heaven,  and  uttering  a  loud 
shriek  at  her  unhappy  fate,  she  plunged  headlong  into  the 
boiling  waters,  and  disappeared  for  ever. 

Thus  was  the  prophecy  fulfilled.  The  brother  of  the 
sun  and  moon  had  wed — beauty  had  been  laid  at  the  golden 
feet — the  pearl  beyond  price  had  been  found  and  lost. 
There  had  been  joy  and  there  had  been  sorrow  in  life — 
and  sorrow  in  death.  The  Black  Dragon  had  proved  the 
foe  to  the  celestial  empire,  for  it  had  swallowed  up  the 
pearl  beyond  all  price. 

Ti-tum,  ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  tilly-liUy,  ti-tum,  ti. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ^^^ 

The  twang  of  the  rude  instrument  awoke  the  pacha,  who 
had  been  fast  asleep  for  some  time. 

"  Is  it  finished,  Mustapha  ? "  said  he,  rubbing  his  eyes. 

**  Yes,  your  highness  ;  and  the  destiny  foretold  was 
truly  accomplished." 

"  Bismillah  !  but  I'm  glad  of  it.  Before  he  had  whined 
ten  minutes,  I  foretold  that  I  should  go  to  sleep.  My 
destiny  has  also  been  accomplished." 

"Will  your  highness  foretell  the  destiny  of  this  dog 
with  two  tails  ?  " 

"  Two  tails  !  that  reminds  me  that  we  have  only  had  one 
out  of  him  as  yet.  Let's  have  him  again  to-morrow,  and 
have  another.  At  all  events,  we  shall  have  a  good  nap. 
God  is  great." 

Chapter  XX 

"  Mustapha,"  said  the  pacha,  "  I  feel  as  the  caliph  Haroun 
Alraschid,  in  the  tale  of  Yussuf,  related  by  Menouni,  full 
of  care;  my  soul  is  weary — my  heart  is  burnt  as  roast 
meat." 

Mustapha,  who  had  wit  enough  to  perceive  that  he  was 
to  act  the  part  of  GiafFar,  the  vizier,  immediately  replied, 
"  O  pacha  !  great  and  manifold  are  the  cares  of  state.  If 
thy  humble  slave  may  be  permitted  to  advise,  thou  wilt 
call  in  the  Chinese  dog  with  two  tails,  who  hath  as  yet 
repeated  but  one  of  his  tales." 

"  Not  so,"  replied  the  pacha ;  **  I  am  weary  of  his 
eternal  ti-tum,  tilly-lilly,  which  yet  ringeth  in  mine  ears. 
What  else  canst  thou  propose  ?  " 

"  Alem  penah !  refuge  of  the  world,  wilt  thou  be 
pleased  to  order  out  thy  troops,  and  witness  the  exercise 
of  djireed  ?  The  moon  is  high  in  the  heavens,  and  it  is 
light  as  day." 

"Not  so,"  replied  the  pacha;  "I  am  tired  of  war  and 
all  that  appertains  to  it.     Let  the  troops  sleep  in  peace." 

"  Then,  O  pacha !  will  you  permit  your  slave  to  send 
p  z 


354  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

for  some  bottles  of  the  fire-water  of  the  Giaour,  that  we 
may  drink  and  smoke  until  we  are  elevated  to  the  seven 
heavens  ? " 

"  Nay,  good  vizier,  that  is  as  a  last  resource,  for  it  is 
forbidden  by  the  laws  of  the  Prophet.  Think  once  more, 
and  thou  must  have  no  more  brains  than  a  water-melon,  if 
this  time  thou  proposest  not  that  which  will  give  me  ease." 

"  Thy  slave  lives  but  to  hear,  and  hears  but  to  obey," 
replied  Mustapha.  "  Then  will  it  please  my  lord  to 
disguise  himself,  and  walk  through  the  streets  of  Cairo ; 
the  moon  is  bright,  and  the  hyena  prowls  not  now,  but 
mingles  his  bowlings  with  those  of  the  jackal  afar  off." 

"  Your  face  is  whitened,  Mustapha,  and  it  pleaseth  us. 
Let  the  disguises  be  prepared,  and  we  will  sally  forth." 

In  a  short  time  the  disguises  were  ready,  the  vizier 
taking  care  that  they  should  be  those  of  Armenian 
merchants,  knowing  that  the  pacha  would  be  pleased  with 
the  similarity  to  those  worn  by  the  great  Alraschid  ;  two 
black  slaves,  with  their  swords,  followed  the  pacha  and 
his  vizier  at  a  short  distance.  The  streets  were  quite 
empty,  and  they  met  with  nothing  living  except  here  and 
there  a  dog  preying  on  the  garbage  and  offal,  who  snapped 
and  snarled  as  they  passed  by.  The  night  promised 
nothing  of  adventure,  and  the  pacha  was  in  no  very  good 
humour,  when  Mustapha  perceived  a  light  through  the 
chinks  of  a  closed  window  in  a  small  hovel,  and  heard  the 
sound  of  a  voice.  He  peeped  through,  the  pacha  standing 
by  his  side.  After  a  few  seconds  the  vizier  made  signs  to 
the  pacha  to  look  in.  The  pacha  was  obliged  to  strain 
his  fat  body  to  its  utmost  altitude,  standing  on  the  tips  of 
his  toes  to  enable  his  eyes  to  reach  the  cranny.  The 
interior  of  the  hovel  was  without  furniture,  a  chest  in  the 
centre  of  the  mud  floor  appeared  to  serve  as  table  and 
repository  of  everything  in  it,  for  the  walls  were  bare. 
At  the  fireplace,  in  which  were  a  few  embers,  crouched  an 
old  woman,  a  personification  of  age,  poverty,  and  starva- 
tion. She  was  warming  her  shrivelled  hands  over  the 
embers,  and  occasionally  passed  one  of  her  hands  along  her 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ^S5 

bony  arm,  saying,  "  Yes,  the  time  has  been — the  time  has 
been." 

"What  can  she  mean,"  said  the  pacha  to  Mustapha, 
"by  *  the  time  has  been  *  ? " 

"  It  requires  explanation,"  replied  the  vizier ;  "  this  is 
certain,  that  it  must  mean  something." 

"  Thou  hast  said  well,  Mustapha ;  let  us  knock,  and 
obtain  admittance."  Mustapha  knocked  at  the  door  of  the 
hovel. 

"  There's  nothing  to  steal,  so  you  may  as  well  go," 
screamed  the  old  woman  ;  "  but,"  continued  she,  talking 
to  herself,  *'  the  time  has  been — the  time  has  been." 

The  pacha  desired  Mustapha  to  knock  louder.  Mustapha 
applied  the  hilt  of  his  dagger,  and  thumped  against  the 
door. 

"Ay — ay — you  may  venture  to  knock  now,  the  sultan's 
slippers  are  not  at  the  door,"  said  the  old  woman :  "  but," 
continued  she,  as  before,  "  the  time  has  been — the  time 
has  been." 

"  Sultan's  slippers !  and  time  has  been !  "  cried  the 
pacha.  "What  does  the  old  hag  mean?  Knock  again, 
Mustapha." 

Mustapha  reiterated  his  blows." 

"  Ay — knock — knock — my  door  is  like  my  mouth  ;  I 
open  it  when  I  choose,  and  I  keep  it  shut  when  I  choose, 
as  once  was  well  known.  The  time  has  been — the  time 
has  been." 

"  We  have  been  a  long  time  standing  here,  and  I  am 
tired  of  waiting ;  so,  Mustapha,  I  think  the  time  is  come 
to  kick  the  door  open.     Let  it  be  done." 

Whereupon  Mustapha  put  his  foot  to  the  door,  but  it 
resisted  his  efforts.  "  Let  me  assist,"  said  the  pacha,  and 
retreated  a  few  paces  5  he  and  Mustapha  backed  against 
the  door  with  all  their  force.  It  flew  open,  and  they 
rolled  together  on  the  floor  of  the  hovel.  The  old  woman 
screamed,  and  then,  jumping  on  the  body  of  the  pacha, 
caught  him  by  the  throat,  crying,  "  Thieves ;  murder ! " 
Mustapha  hastened  to  the  assistance  of  his  master,  as  did 


^^6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

the  two  black  slaves,  when  they  heard  the  cries,  and  with 
some  difficulty  the  talons  of  the  old  Jezebel  were  dis- 
engaged from  the  throat  of  the  pacha,  who,  in  his  wrath, 
would  have  immediately  sacrificed  her.  **  Lahnet  be 
Shitan !  Curses  on  the  devil ! "  exclaimed  the  pacha  ^ 
"  but  this  is  pretty  treatment  for  a  pacha." 

"  Knowest  thou,  vile  wretch,  that  thou  hast  taken  by 
the  throat,  and  nearly  strangled,  the  Lord  of  Life — the 
pacha  himself,"  said  Mustapha. 

"Well,"  replied  the  old  woman,  coolly,  "  the  time  has 
been — the  time  has  been." 

"What  meanest  thou,  cursed  hag,  that  *the  time  has 
been'?" 

"  I  mean  that  the  time  has  been,  when  I  have  had  more 
than  one  pacha  strangled.  Yes,"  continued  she  squatting 
down  on  the  floor,  and  muttering,  "  the  time  has  been." 

The  pacha's  rage  was  now  a  little  appeased.  "  Mus- 
tapha," said  the  pacha,  "  let  this  old  woman  be  carefully 
guarded;  to-morrow  afternoon  we  will  understand  the 
meaning  of  those  strange  words,  'the  time  has  been.' 
Depend  upon  it,  thereby  hangs  a  good  story ;  we  will 
have  that  first — and  then,"  whispered  the  pacha,  "  her 
head  off  afterwards." 

The  old  woman,  hearing  the  order  to  take  her  into 
custody,  again  repeated.  "  Ah,  very  well — the  time  has 
been."  The  slaves  laid  hold  of  her;  but  she  defended 
herself  so  vigorously  with  her  teeth  and  nails,  that  they 
were  under  the  necessity  of  gagging  her,  and  tying  her 
hand  and  foot.  They  then  hoisted  her  on  their  shoulders, 
and  marched  off  with  her  to  the  palace,  followed  by 
Mustapha  and  the  pacha,  the  latter  quite  delighted  with 
his  adventure.  When  the  divan  of  the  ensuing  day  had 
closed,  the  old  woman  was  ordered  to  be  brought  into  the 
presence  of  the  pacha ;  and  as  she  refused  to  walk,  she 
was  brought  on  the  shoulders  of  four  of  the  guards,  and 
laid  on  the  floor  of  the  council-chamber.  "  How  dare  you 
rebel  against  the  sublime  commands  ^  "  inquired  Mustapha 
with  severity. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ^sy 

"  How  dare  I  rebel !  "  cried  the  old  woman  with  a  shrill 
voice.  "  Why,  what  right  has  the  pacha  to  drag  me  from 
my  poor  hovel ;  and  what  can  he  want  with  an  old  woman 
like  me  ?     It's  not  for  his  harem,  I  presume." 

At  this  remark  the  pacha  and  Mustapha  could  not 
help  laughing  ;  having  recovered  his  gravity,  Mustapha 
observed,  "  One  would  imagine,  old  carrion  that  thou*art, 
that  the  idea  of  such  a  punishment  as  the  bastinado  had 
never  entered  your  mind." 

"  There  you  are  mistaken,  Mr  Vizier,  for  I  have 
suffered  both  the  bastinado  and  the  bowstring." 

*'  And  the  bowstring  !  Holy  Prophet  !  what  a  lying 
old  hag  !  "  exclaimed  the  pacha. 

"  No  lie,  pacha,  no  lie  ! "  screamed  the  old  woman  in 
her  wrath.  **I  have  said  it — and  the  bowstring.  Yes, 
the  time  has  been,  when  I  was  young  and  beautiful ;  and 
do  you  know  why  I  suffered  ?  I'll  tell  you — because  I 
would  not  hold  my  tongue — and  do  you  think  that  I  will 
now  that  I'm  an  old  piece  of  carrion  ?  Yes — yes— the 
time  has  been." 

"Fortunately,  then,"  replied  Mustapha,  "you  are  not 
required  by  the  pacha  to  hold  your  tongue.  You  are 
required  to  do  the  very  contrary,  which  is,  to  speak." 

"And  ^^do  you  know  why  I  received  the  bowstring  ?" 
screamed  the  old  hag.  "  I'll  tell  you — because  I  would 
not  speak ;  and  I  do  not  intend  so  to  do  now,  since  I  find 
that  you  wish  that  I  should." 

"  Then  it  appears,"  said  the  pacha,  taking  the  pipe  out 
of  his  mouth,  "  that  the  bastinado  was  as  ill-managed  as 
the  bowstring.  We  do  these  things  better  at  Cairo. 
Hear  me,  old  mother  of  Shitan  !  I  wish  to  know  what  you 
mean  by  that  expression  which  is  ever  in  your  mouth — 
*  time  has  been.'  " 

"  It  means  a  great  deal  pacha,  for  it  refers  to  my  life — 
you  want  the  story." 

"  Exactly,"  replied  Mustapha,  "  so  begin." 

"  You  must  pay  me  for  it — it  is  worth  twenty  pieces  of 
gold." 


358  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

**  Do  you  presume  to  make  conditions  with  his  sublime 
highness  the  pacha  ? "  exclaimed  Mustapha.  **  Why, 
thou  mother  of  Afrits  and  Ghouls,  if  thou  commencest 
not  immediately,  thy  carcass  shall  be  thrown  over  the 
walls  for  the  wild  dogs  to  smell  at,  and  turn  away  from  in 
disgust." 

"  Vizier,  I  have  lived  long  enough  to  trust  nobody. 
My  price  is  twenty  pieces  of  gold  counted  out  in  this 
shrivelled  hand  before  I  begin ;  and  without  they  are 
paid  down — not  one  nvordy  And  the  old  beldam  folded 
her  arms,  and  looked  the  pacha  boldly  in  the  face. 

"  God  is  great !  "  exclaimed  the  pacha.  "  We  shall 
see."  At  his  well-known  signal  the  executioner  made 
his  appearance,  and  holding  up  the  few  scattered  gray 
hairs  which  still  remained  upon  her  head,  he  raised  his 
scimitar,  awaiting  the  nod  which  was  to  be  succeeded  by 
the  fatal  blow. 

"  Strike,  pacha,  strike  ! "  cried  the  old  woman,  scorn- 
fully. **  I  shall  only  lose  a  life  of  which  I  have  long  been 
weary  ;  but  you  will  lose  a  story  of  wonder,  which  you  are 
so  anxious  to  obtain.  Strike — for  the  last  time,  I  say, 
*  Time  has  been  ' — before  time  shall  be  no  more  !  " 

**  That  is  true,  Mustapha,"  observed  the  pacha.  "  I 
forgot  the  story.  What  an  obstinate  old  devil;  but  I 
must  hear  the  story." 

"If  it  appears  good  to  your  absolute  wisdom,"  said 
Mustapha,  in  a  low  voice,  "  would  it  not  be  better  to 
count  down  to  this  avaricious  old  hag  the  twenty  pieces  of 
gold  which  she  demands  ?  When  her  story  is  ended,  it 
will  be  easy  to  take  them  from  her,  and  her  head  from  her 
shoulders.  Thus  will  be  satisfied  the  demands  of  the  old 
woman,  and  the  demands  of  justice." 

"  Wallah  Thaib !  it  is  well  said,  by  Allah !  Your 
words  are  as  pearls.     Count  out  the  money,  Mustapha." 

"  His  highness  the  pacha  has  been  pleased,  in  considera- 
tion of  the  fear  and  trembling  with  which  you  have  entered 
his  presence,  to  order  that  the  sum  which  you  require  shall 
be  paid  down,"  said  Mustapha,  pulling  out  his  purse  from  his 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  359 

girdle.  **  Murakkas,  you  are  dismissed,"  continued  the 
vizier  to  the  executioner,  who  let  go  the  old  woman,  and 
disappeared.  Mustapha  counted  out  the  twenty  pieces  of 
gold,  and  shoved  them  towards  the  old  woman,  who,  after 
some  demur,  as  if  imagining  that  they  ought  to  have 
been  brought  to  her,  got  up  and  took  possession  of  them. 
She  counted  them  over,  and  returned  one  piece  as  being  of 
light  weight.  Mustapha,  with  a  grimace,  but  without 
speaking,  exchanged  it  for  another. 

"  By  the  beard  of  the  Prophet !  "  muttered  the  pacha — 
"  but  never  mind.'* 

The  old  woman  took  out  a  piece  of  dirty  rag,  wrapped  up 
the  gold  pieces,  and  placing  them  in  her  vest,  smoothed  down 
her  sordid  garments,  and  then  commenced  as  follows  : — 

"  Pacha,  I  have  not  always  lived  in  a  hovel.  These 
eyes  were  not  always  bleared  and  dim,  nor  this  skin 
wrinkled  and  discoloured.  I  have  not  always  been  covered 
with  these  filthy  rags — nor  have  I  always  wanted  or 
coveted  the  gold  which  you  have  just  now  bestowed  on 
me.  I  have  lived  in  palaces — I  have  commanded  there. 
I  have  been  robed  in  gold — I  have  been  covered  with 
jewels.  I  have  dispensed  life  and  death — I  have  given 
away  provinces.  Pachas  have  trembled  at  my  frown — 
have  received  by  my  orders  the  bowstring — for  at  one  time 
I  was  the  favourite  of  the  grand  sultan.     Time  has  been." 

"It  must  have  been  a  long  time  ago,  then,"  observed 
the  pacha." 

*'  That  is  true,"  replied  the  old  woman ;  "  but  I  will  now 
narrate  my  adventures." 


STORY   OF   THE   OLD   WOMAN. 

I  WAS  born  in  Georgia,  where,  as  your  highness  knows, 
the  women  are  reckoned  to  be  more  beautiful  than  in  any 
other  country,  except  indeed  Circassia ;  but  in  my  opinion, 
the  Circassian  women  are  much  too  tall,  and  on  too  large 
a  scale,  to  compete  with  us  ;  and  I  may  safely  venture  my 


360  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

opinion,  as  I  have  had  an  opportunity  of  comparing  many 
hundreds  of  the  finest  specimens  of  both  countries.  My 
father  and  mother,  although  not  rich,  were  in  easy  circum- 
stances ;  my  father  had  been  a  janissary  in  the  sultan's 
immediate  employ,  and  after  he  had  collected  some 
property,  he  returned  to  his  own  country,  where  he 
purchased  some  land,  and  married.  I  had  but  one  brother, 
who  was  three  years  older  than  myself,  and  one  of  the 
handsomest  youths  in  the  country.  He  was  disfigured  a 
little  by  a  scarlet  stain  on  his  neck,  somewhat  in  shape  re- 
sembling a  bunch  of  grapes,  and  which  our  national  dress 
would  not  permit  him  to  conceal.  My  father,  intending 
that  he  should  serve  the  sultan,  brought  him  up  to  a 
perfect  knowledge  of  every  martial  exercise.  Even  at 
fourteen  years  old,  few  could  compete  with  him  in  the 
use  of  the  bow,  and  throwing  the  djireed,  and  as  a  horse- 
man he  was  perfect.  As  for  me,  I  was,  I  am  certain, 
intended  for  the  sultan's  seraglio,  for  as  a  child  I  was 
beautiful  as  a  houri.  My  father  was  a  man  who  would  not 
scruple  to  part  with  his  children  for  gold,  provided  he  ob- 
tained his  price.  I  was  considered,  and  I  believe  that  I  was, 
the  most  beautiful  girl  in  the  country,  and  every  care  was 
taken  that  I  should  not  injure  my  appearance  or  hurt  my 
complexion  by  domestic  labour  or  exposure.  I  was  not 
permitted  to  assist  my  mother,  who,  induced  by  my 
father's  orders,  waited  upon  me.  I  was  indulged  in  every 
whim,  and  I  grew  up  as  selfish  and  capricious  as  I  was 
beautiful.     Smile  not,  pacha— time  has  been. 

One  day,  when  I  was  about  fourteen  years  old,  I  was 
sitting  at  the  porch,  when  a  large  body  of  Turkish 
cavalry  suddenly  made  their  appearance  from  a  wood 
close  to  the  house,  and  surrounded  it.  They  evidently 
came  for  me,  for  they  demanded  me  by  name,  threatening 
to  burn  the  house  down  to  the  ground,  if  I  was  not 
immediately  delivered  up.  Our  house,  which  was  situated 
near  the  confines  of  the  country,  had  been  constructed  for 
defence  ;  and  my  father,  expecting  assistance  from  his 
neighbours,   refused    to  acquiesce   in   their   terms.     The 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  361 

assault  was  made,  my  father  and  mother,  with  all  their 
household,  were  murdered,  my  brother  severely  wounded, 
the  house  plundered,  and  burnt  to  the  outside  walls.  I 
was,  of  course,  a  prisoner  as  well  as  my  brother.  He  was 
tied,  wounded  as  he  was,  upon  one  horse,  and  I  upon 
another,  and  in  a  few  hours  the  party  had  regained  the 
frontiers.  A  young  man,  handsome  as  an  angel,  was  the 
leader  of  the  band,  and  I  soon  perceived  that  all  his 
thoughts  and  attentions,  were  directed  to  me.  He  watched 
me  with  the  greatest  solicitude  when  we  halted,  procured 
me  every  comfort,  and  was  always  hovering  about  my 
presence.  From  the  discourse  of  the  soldiers  I  discovered 
that  he  was  the  only  son  of  the  grand  vizier  at  Stamboul. 
He  had  heard  of  my  beauty,  had  seen  me,  and  offered  a 
large  sum  to  my  father,  who  had  refused,  as  his 
ambition  was,  that  I  should  belong  to  the  sultan — in 
consequence  I  had  been  carried  off  by  force.  I  could  have 
loved  the  beautiful  youth,  although  he  had  murdered  my 
father  and  mother,  but  it  was  the  taking  me  by  force  which 
steeled  my  heart,  and  I  vowed  that  I  never  would  listen  to 
his  addresses,  although  I  was  so  completely  in  his  power. 
During  the  time  that  I  had  been  in  his  possession  I  had 
never  spoken  one  word,  and  it  came  into  my  head  that  I 
would  pretend  to  be  dumb.  In  three  weeks  we  arrived  at 
Constantinople.  Since  I  quitted  the  country  I  never  had 
seen  my  brother,  his  w^ound  was  too  severe  to  allow  him 
to  travel  with  the  same  rapidity,  and  it  was  not  until  years 
afterwards  that  I  knew  what  had  become  of  him.  I  was 
taken  to  Osman  All's  house,  and  allowed  a  few  days' 
repose  from  the  fatigue  of  the  journey  5  after  which,  as  I 
was  still  but  a  child,  I  was  ordered  to  be  instructed  in 
music,  dancing,  singing,  and  every  other  accomplishment 
considered  necessary  for  the  ladies  of  a  harem.  But  I 
adhered  to  my  resolution,  every  method  to  induce  me  to 
speak  was  tried  in  vain  ;  even  blows,  torture  from 
pinching,  and  other  means  were  resorted  to,  but  would  not 
induce  me  to  swerve  from  my  resolution  ;  at  last  they 
concluded  that  I  was  either  born  dumb,  or  had  become  so 


362  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

from  fright  at  the  time  that  the  attack  and  slaughter  of  my 
family  took  place.  I  was  eighteen  months  in  the  harem  of 
Osman  Ali,  and  never  spoke  one  word. 

"  Mashallah  !  but  this  is  wonderful !  "  exclaimed  the 
pacha — "  a  woman  hold  her  tongue  for  eighteen  months  ! 
Who  is  to  believe  this  ?  " 

**  Not  at  all  wonderful !  "  replied  the  old  woman,  **  when 
you  recollect  that  she  was  required  to  speak." 

Once  and  once  only,  did  I  nearly  break  through  my  re- 
solution. Two  of  the  principal  favourites  were  conversing 
in  my  presence. 

"  I  cannot  imagine,"  said  one,  **  what  Ali  can  see  in  this 
little  minx  to  be  so  infatuated  with  her.  She  is  very  ugly 
— her  mouth  is  large — her  teeth  are  yellow — and  her  eyes 
not  only  have  no  expression,  but  look  different  ways.  She 
has  one  shoulder  higher  than  the  other,  and  worse  than  all, 
being  dumb,  cannot  be  taught  anything  but  dancing,  which 
only  shows  her  ugly  broad  feet." 

"  That  is  all  true,"  replied  the  other.  **  If  I  was  Ali,  I 
should  employ  her  as  a  common  slave  ;  she  is  fit  for 
nothing  but  to  roll  up  and  beat  carpets,  boil  rice,  and 
prepare  our  coffee.  A  little  of  the  slipper  on  her  mouth 
would  soon  bring  her  to  her  senses." 

I  must  own  that  I  was  near  breaking  through  my 
resolution,  that  I  might  have  indulged  my  revenge,  and 
had  not  the  door  suddenly  opened,  I  should  have  proved 
to  them  that  I  could  have  spoken  to  some  purpose,  for 
never  would  I  have  ceased,  until  they  had  both  been  sewn 
up  in  sacks,  and  cast  into  the  Bosphorus.  But  I  restrained 
myself,  although  my  cheeks  burned  with  rage,  and  I  more 
than  once  put  my  hand  to  my  jewelled  dagger. 

I  was  often  visited  by  Osman  Ali,  who  in  vain  attempted 
to  make  me  speak ;  a  harsh  guttural  sound  was  all  which 
I  would  utter  to  express  pain  or  pleasure.  At  last,  being 
convinced  that  I  was  dumb,  he  exchanged  me  with  a  slave- 
merchant  for  a  beautiful  Circassian  girl.     He  did  not  state 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ^6;^ 

my  supposed  infirmity,  but  gave  it  as  a  reason  for  parting 
with  me,  that  I  was  too  young,  and  required  to  be  taught. 
As  soon  as  the  bargain  was  struck,  and  the  merchant  had 
received  the  money  which  had  been  given  by  Ali  to  effect 
the  exchange,  I  was  despoiled  of  my  dress  and  ornaments, 
and  put  in  a  litter,  to  be  conveyed  to  the  house  of  the 
slave-merchant.  As  your  highness  may  imagine,  not  a 
little  tired  of  holding  my  tongue  for  a  year  and  a  half 

"  By  the  beard  of  the  prophet,  we  can  believe  you  on 
that  point,  good  woman.     You  may  proceed." 

"  Yes,  yes,  I  may  proceed.  You  think  women  have  no 
resolution,  and  no  souls — be  it  so — and  what  you  dignify 
with  the  name  of  perseverance  in  your  own  sex,  you  call 
obstinacy  in  ours.     Be  it  so — time  has  been." 

I  was  no  sooner  in  the  litter  than  I  let  loose  my  tongue, 
and  called  out  to  the  women  who  were  appointed  to  conduct 
me  to  the  door  of  the  harem.  "  Tell  Osman  Ali,  that  now 
that  I  am  no  longer  his  slave,  I  have  found  my  tongue." 
Then  closing  the  curtains,  I  was  carried  away.  As  soon  as 
I  arrived,  I  told  the  merchant  all  that  had  passed,  and  the 
reason  why  Ali  had  parted  with  me.  The  merchant,  who 
was  astonished  at  having  made  so  good  a  bargain,  laughed 
heartily  at  my  narrative.  He  told  me  that  he  int-ended  me 
for  the  seraglio  of  the  sultan — flattered  me  by  declaring 
that  I  should  be  certainly  the  favourite,  and  advised  me  to 
profit  all  I  could  by  the  masters  he  would  provide.  In  the 
meantime,  Osman  Ali  having  heard  from  the  women  the 
message  I  had  sent,  was  very  wroth,  and  came  to  the  slave- 
merchant  to  procure  me  again ;  but  the  slave-merchant 
informed  him  that  the  Kislar  Aga  of  the  sultan  had  seen 
me,  and  ordered  me  to  be  reserved  for  the  imperial  seraglio ; 
by  this  falsehood  screening  himself,  not  only  from  Ali's 
importunities,  but  also  from  his  vengeance.  I  took  the 
advice  of  my  master,  and  in  a  little  more  than  a  year  became 
a  proficient  in  music  and  most  other  accomplishments ;  I 
also  learnt  to  write  and  read,  and  to  repeat  most  of  the 


364  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

verses  of  Hafiz,  and  other  celebrated  poets.  At  seventeen 
I  was  offered  to  the  Kislar  Aga  as  a  prodigy  of  beauty 
and  talent.  The  Kislar  Aga  came  to  see  me,  and  was 
astonished ;  he  saw  at  once  that  I  should  immediately 
become  first  favourite ;  and  having  heard  me  sing  and 
play,  he  demanded  my  price,  which  was  enormous.  He 
reported  me  to  the  sultan,  stating  that  he  had  never  beheld 
such  perfection,  and  at  the  same  time  informing  him  of  the 
exorbitant  demand  of  the  slave-merchant.  The  sultan,  who 
had  felt  little  interest  in  the  inmates  of  his  harem,  and  was 
anxious  for  novelty,  ordered  the  sum  to  be  paid,  and  I  was 
conducted  to  the  seraglio  in  a  royal  litter. 

That  I  was  anxious  to  be  purchased  by  the  sultan  I  con- 
fess :  my  pride  rebelled  at  the  idea  of  being  a  slave,  and  if 
I  was  to  be  so,  at  least  I  wished  to  be  the  slave  of  the 
sultan.  I  indulged  the  idea  that  I  should  soon  bring  him 
to  subjection,  and  that  the  slave  would  lord  it  over  her 
master,  and  that  master  the  dispenser  of  life  and  death, 
honour  and  disgrace,  to  millions.  I  had  made  up  my  mind 
how  to  behave  -,  the  poets  I  had  read  had  taught  me  but 
too  well.  Convinced  that  a  little  wilfulness  would,  from 
its  novelty,  be  most  likely  to  captivate  one  who  had  been 
accustomed  to  dull  and  passive  obedience,  I  allowed  my 
natural  temper  to  be  unchecked.  The  second  day  after 
my  arrival,  the  Kislar  Aga  informed  me  that  the  sultan  in- 
tended to  honour  me  with  a  visit,  and  that  the  baths  and 
dresses  were  prepared.  I  replied  that  I  had  bathed  that 
morning,  and  did  not  intend  to  bathe  again — as  for  the 
dresses  and  jewels,  I  did  not  require  them,  and  that  I  was 
ready  to  receive  my  lord  the  sultan,  if  he  pleased  to  coirxe. 
The  Kislar  Aga  opened  his  eyes  with  astonishment  at  my 
presumption,  but  not  venturing  to  use  force  to  one  who, 
in  his  opinion,  would  become  the  favourite,  he  returned  to 
the  sultan,  reporting  to  him  what  had  passed.  The  sultan, 
as  I  expected,  was  more  amused  at  the  novelty  than  affronted 
at  the  want  of  respect.  "Be  it  so,"  replied  he;  "this 
Georgian  must  have  a  good  opinion  of  her  own  charms." 

In  the  evening  the  sultan  made  his  appearance,  and  I 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  365 

prostrated  myself  at  his  feet,  for  I  did  not  wish  to  proceed 
too  far  at  once.     He  raised  me  up  and  appeared  delighted. 

"  You  are  right,  Zara,"  said  he ;  "  no  jewels  or  dress 
could  add  to  the  splendour  of  your  beauty." 

"  Pardon  me,  O  gracious  lord,"  replied  I,  "  but  if  thy 
slave  is  to  please  thee,  may  it  be  by  her  natural  charms 
alone.  If  I  have  the  honour  to  continue  in  thy  favour,  let 
me  adorn  myself  with  those  jewels  which  ought  to  decorate 
the  chosen  of  her  master — but  as  a  candidate  I  have  rejected 
them,  for  who  knows  but  in  a  few  days  I  may  be  deserted 
for  one  more  worthy  of  your  preference  ?  " 

The  sultan  v/as  delighted  at  my  apology,  and  I  certainly 
was  pleased  with  him.  He  was  then  about  forty  years  of 
age,  very  handsome  and  well  made ;  but  I  was  still  more 
gratified  to  find  that  my  conversation  amused  him  so  much 
that  he  remained  with  me  for  many  hours  after  his  usual 
time  for  retiring.  This  gave  promise  of  an  ascendancy 
which  might  survive  personal  charms.  But  not  to  detain 
your  highness,  I  will  at  once  state,  the  sultan  soon  thought 
but  of  me.  Not  only  my  personal  attractions,  but  my 
infinite  variety,  which  appeared  natural,  but  was  generally 
planned  and  sketched  out  previous  to  his  visits,  won  so 
entirely  upon  him,  that  so  far  from  being  tired,  his  passion, 
I  may  say  his  love,  for  me  was  every  day  increased. 

"  Well,  it  may  be  all  true,"  observed  the  pacha,  looking 
at  the  wrinkled  and  hideous  object  before  him.  "  What 
do  you  say,  Mustapha  ? " 

"  O  pacha  !  we  know  not  yet  her  history.  The  mother 
of  your  slave,  as  I  have  heard  from  my  father,  was  once 
most  beautiful.  She  is  still  in  our  harem,  and  pooh^"*  said 
Mustapha,  spitting,  as  if  in  abhorrence. 

"  Right,  good  vizier — right — recollect,  pacha,  what  I 
have  said :  time  has  been."  The  pacha  nodded,  and  the 
old  woman  proceeded. 

Once  sure  of  the  sultan's  affections,  I  indulged  myself  in 
greater  liberties — not  with  him,  but  with   others  j  for   I 


^66  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

knew  that  he  would  laugh  at  the  tricks  I  might  play  upon 
his  dependents,  but  not  be  equally  pleased  with  a  want  of 
respect  towards  himself;  and  other  people  of  the  harem 
were  the  objects  of  my  caprice  and  amusement.  So  far 
from  preventing  him  from  noticing  the  other  women  in  the 
harem,  I  would  recommend  them,  and  often  have  them  in 
my  apartments  when  he  would  visit  me,  and  wish  to  be 
alone.  I  generally  contrived  to  manage  a  little  quarrel 
about  once  a  month,  as  it  renewed  his  passion.  In  short, 
the  sultan  became,  as  I  intended,  so  infatuated,  that  he  was 
my  slave,  and  at  the  same  time  I  felt  an  ardent  attachment 
to  him.  My  power  was  well  known.  The  presents  which 
I  received  from  those  who  required  my  good  offices  were 
innumerable,  and  I  never  retained  them,  but  sent  them 
as  presents  to  the  sultan,  in  return  for  those  which  he 
repeatedly  sent  to  me.  This  indiiFerence  on  my  part  to 
what  women  are  usually  too  fond  of,  increased  his  regard. 

"  By  the  holy  Prophet  but  you  seemed  fond  enough  of 
gold  just  now,"  observed  the  pacha. 

"  Time  has  been,"  replied  the  old  woman.  "  I  speak 
not  of  the  present." 

For  two  years  I  passed  a  happy  life ;  but  anxious  as  the 
sultan  was,  as  well  as  myself,  that  I  should  present  him 
with  an  heir,  that  happiness  was  denied  me,  and  was 
eventually  the  cause  of  my  ruin.  The  queen  mother,  and 
the  Kislar  Aga,  both  of  whom  I  had  affronted,  were  inde- 
fatigable in  their  attempts  to  undermine  my  power.  The 
whole  universe,  I  may  say,  was  ransacked  for  a  new 
introduction  into  the  seraglio,  whose  novelty  and  beauty 
might  seduce  the  sultan  from  my  arms.  Instead  of  counter- 
plotting, as  I  might  have  done,  I  was  pleased  at  their 
frustrated  efforts.  Had  I  demanded  the  woolly  head  of  the 
one,  and  poisoned  the  other,  I  had  done  wisely.  I  only 
wish  I  had  them  now,  but  I  was  a  fool — it  cannot  be 
helped — but  time  has  been. 

Like  most  of  the  sex,  the  ruling  passion  of  the  sultan 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  n<S^ 

was  vanity,  a  disease  which  shows  itself  in  a  thousand 
different  shapes.  He  was  peculiarly  proud  of  his  person, 
and  with  reason,  for  it  was  faultless,  with  one  little  excep- 
tion, which  I  had  discovered,  a  wen,  about  the  size  of  a 
pigeon's  egg,  under  the  left  arm.  I  had  never  mentioned 
to  him  that  I  was  aware  of  it ;  but  a  circumstance  occurred 
which  annoyed  me,  and  I  forgot  my  discretion. 

The  Kislar  Aga  had  at  last  discovered  a  Circassian 
slave,  who,  he  thought,  would  effect  the  purpose.  She 
was  beautiful,  and  I  had  already  engrossed  the  sultan's 
attentions  for  more  than  two  years.  Men  will  be  fickle, 
and  I  expected  no  otherwise.  What  I  required  was  the 
dominion  over  the  mind  ;  I  cared  little  about  the  sultan's 
attentions  to  other  women.  Like  the  tamed  bird  which 
flies  from  its  cage,  and  after  wandering  a  short  time,  is 
glad  to  return  to  its  home  and  reassume  its  perch,  so  did 
I  consider  it  would  be  the  case  with  the  sultan.  I  never, 
therefore,  wearied  him  with  tears  or  reproaches,  but  won 
him  back  with  smiles  and  good  humour.  I  expected  that 
this  new  face  would  detach  him  for  a  short  time,  and  for 
a  fortnight  he  never  came  into  my  apartment.  He  had 
never  been  away  so  long  before,  and  I  was  rather  uneasy. 
He  visited  me  one  morning,  and  I  asked  him  to  sup  with 
me.  He  consented,  and  I  invited  three  or  four  of  the 
most  beautiful  women  of  the  seraglio,  as  well  as  the  lady 
of  his  new  attachment,  to  meet  him.  I  thought  it  wise 
so  to  do,  to  prove  to  him  that  I  was  not  displeased,  and 
trusting  that  the  Circassian  might  suffer  when  in  company 
with  others  of  equal  charms,  who  from  neglect  might 
reassume  their  novelty.  The  Circassian  was  undeniably 
most  beautiful  *,  but,  without  vanity,  she  was  by  no 
means  to  be  compared  to  me ;  she  had  the  advantage  of 
novelty,  and  I  hoped  no  more,  for  I  felt  what  a  dangerous 
rival  she  might  prove  if  her  wit  and  talents  were  equal  to 
her  persona]  charms.  The  sultan  came,  and  I  exerted 
myself  to  please,  but,  to  my  mortification,  I  was  neglected ; 
all  his  attentions  and  thoughts  were  only  for  my  rival, 
who  played  her  part   to  admiration,  yielded  to  him  that 


^68  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

profound  respect  and  abject  adulation,  which,  on  my  part, 
had  been  denied  him,  and  which  he  probably,  as  a  novelty 
from  a  favourite,  set  a  higher  price  upon.  At  last  I  was 
treated  with  such  marked  insult,  that  I  lost  my  temper, 
and  I  determined  that  the  sultan  should  do  the  same. 
I  handed  him  a  small  apple.  "  Will  my  lord  accept  this 
apple  from  the  hand  of  his  slave  f  Is  it  not  curious  in 
shape .''  It  reminds  me  of  the  wen  under  your  Majesty's 
left  arm." 

The  sultan  coloured  with  rage. 

**  Yes,"  replied  I,  laughing,  "  you  have  one  of  them, 
you  know  very  well." 

"  Silence  !   Zara,"  cried  the  sultan,  in  a  firm  tone. 

**  And  why  should  I  be  silent,  my  lord  ?  Have  not  I 
spoken  the  truth  ? " 

"  False  woman  !  deny  what  you  have  falsely  uttered." 

"Sultan,  I  will  not  deny  the  truth.  I  will,  if  you 
command  me,  hold  my  tongue." 

"  Your  slave  has  been  honoured  with  my  lord's  atten- 
tions, and  denies  the  assertion  as  a  calumny,"  observed 
my  rival. 

"  Peace,  wretch  !  thou  hast  proved  thyself  unworthy 
of  the  honour,  by  thy  lying  tongue." 

"  I  tell  thee,  Zara,  silence  !  or  you  shall  feel  my 
indignation." 

But  I  was  now  too  angry,  and  I  replied,  **  My  lord, 
you  well  know  that  I  once  held  my  tongue  for  eighteen 
months,  I  therefore  can  be  silent  when  I  choose ;  but  I 
can  also  speak  when  I  choose,  and  now  I  do  choose  to 
speak.     I  have  said  it,  and  I  will  not  retract  my  words." 

The  sultan  was  white  with  rage  ;  my  life  hung  upon 
a  thread  ;  when  the  Circassian  maliciously  observed,  "  The 
bastinado  might  induce  her  to  retract." 

"  And  shall,"  exclaimed  the  sultan,  clapping  his 
hands. 

The  Kislar  Aga  appeared,  in  obedience  to  the  sultan's 
orders ;  the  executioner  of  the  harem,  and  two  slaves 
stretched  me  on  the  floor, — I  made  no  resistance  or  com- 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  369 

plaint ;  my  jewelled  slippers  were  taken  off,  and  all  was 
ready  for  the  disgraceful  punishment. 

"Now,  Zara,  will  you  retract?"  said  the  sultan, 
solemnlyo 

**No,  my  lord,  I  will  not.  I  repeat  that  you  have  a 
wen  under  your  left  arm." 

"  Strike  !  "  cried  the  sultan,  in  a  paroxysm  of  rage. 
The  bamboos  fell,  and  I  received  a  dozen  blows.  I  bore 
them  without  a  cry, — I  was  too  much  choked  by  my 
feelings. 

"  Now,  Zara,  will  you  retract  ? "  exclaimed  the  sultan, 
in  a  subdued  tone. 

**  Never,  sultan ;  I  will  prove  to  you  that  a  woman 
has  more  courage  than  you  imagine  ;  if  I  die  under  the 
punishment,  my  rival  shall  not  have  even  the  pleasure  of 
a  groan.  You  ask  me  to  retract.  I  will  not  swerve  from 
the  truth.  You  have,  and  you  know  you  have,  and  so 
does  that  vile  parasite  by  your  side  know,  that  you  have 
a  wen  under  your  left  arm."  I  was  faint  with  the  pain, 
and  my  voice  was  weak  and  trembling. 

**  Proceed,"  said  the  sultan. 

When  I  had  received  thirty  blows,  I  fainted  with  the 
agony,  and  the  sultan  ordered  them  to  desist.  "  I  trust, 
Zara,  you  are  now  sufficiently  punished  for  your  dis- 
obedience." But  I  heard  him  not ;  and  when  the  sultan, 
perceiving  that  I  did  not  reply,  looked  at  me,  his  heart 
melted.  He  felt  how  arbitrary,  how  cruel  he  had  been. 
The  Circassian  went  to  him ;  he  ordered  her  in  a  voice 
of  thunder  to  be  gone,  me  to  be  unbound  by  the  other 
ladies,  laid  on  the  sofa,  and  restoratives  to  be  procured. 
When  I  came  to  my  senses,  I  found  myself  alone  with 
the  sultan.  "  Oh  !  Zara,"  said  he,  as  the  tears  stood  in 
his  eyes,  "why  did  you  tempt  me  thus — why  were  you 
so  obstinate  ? " 

•*  My  lord,"  answered  I,  in  a  feeble  voice,  "  leave  your 

slave,  and  go  to  those  who  can  teach  their  tongues  to 

lie.     I  have   never   deceived  you,  although   I   may  have 

displeased  you.     I  have  loved  you  with  fidelity  and  truth. 

p  2  A 


2,yo  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

Now  that  you  have  witnessed  what  I  can  suffer  rather 
than  be  guiky  of  falsehood,  you  ought  to  believe  me. 
Take  my  life,  my  lord,  and  I  will  bless  you  ;  for  I  have 
lost  you,  and  with  you  I  have  lost  more  than  life/' 

"  Not  so,  Zara,"  replied  the  sultan  ;  "  I  love  you  more 
than  ever." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  you  say  so,  my  lord,  although  it  is 
now  of  no  avail.  I  am  no  longer  yours,  and  never  will  be. 
I  am  unfit  to  be  yours  ;  my  person  has  been  contaminated 
by  the  touch  of  Ethiopian  slaves — it  has  been  polluted 
by  the  hand  of  the  executioner — it  has  been  degraded  by 
a  chastisement  due  only  to  felons.  Oblige  me,  as  a  last 
proof  of  your  kindness,  by  taking  a  life  which  is  a  burthen 
to  me." 

Despot  as  he  was,  the  sultan  was  much  moved  ;  he 
was  mortified  at  having  yielded  to  his  temper,  and  his 
passionate  affection  for  me  had  returned.  He  entreated 
my  pardon,  and  shed  tears  over  me,  kissed  my  swelled 
feet,  and  humiliated  himself  so  much,  that  my  heart  re- 
lented— for  I  loved  him  dearly  still. 

Zara,"  exclaimed  he,  at  last,  "  will  you  not  forgive 


me  r 


?" 


"  When,  my  lord,  have  I  ever  shown  myself  jealous  ? 
True  love  is  above  jealousy.  This  evening,  to  please 
you,  although  I  have  lately  been  neglected,  did  I  not 
request  your  new  favourite  to  meet  you  ?  In  return,  I 
was  grossly  insulted  by  neglect,  and  studied  attentions  to 
her.  I  was  piqued,  and  revenged  myself — for  I  am  but 
a  woman.  I  was  wrong  in  so  doing,  but  having  told  the 
truth,  I  was  right  in  not  retracting  what  I  had  said.  Now 
that  you  have  degraded  me — now  that  you  have  rendered 
me  unworthy  of  you,  you  ask  me  to  forgive  you." 
**  And  again  I  implore  it,  my  dearest  Zara !  " 
"  There  are  my  jewels,  my  lord.  I  have  no  other 
property  but  what  I  have  received,  and  cherished  as 
presents  from  you.  Your  treasurer  well  knows  that. 
Take  my  jewels,  my  lord,  and  present  them  to  her,  they 
will  make  her  more  beautiful  in  your  sight — to  me  they 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  371 

are  now  worthless.  Go  to  her,  and  in  a  few  days  you 
will  forget  that  ever  there  was  such  a  person  as  the 
unhappy,  the  neglected,  the  disgraced,  and  polluted 
Zara."  And  I  burst  into  tears  ;  for  even  with  all  his 
ill-usage,  I  was  miserable  at  the  idea  of  parting  with 
him  ;  for  what  will  not  a  woman  forgive  a  man  who  has 
obtained  her  favour  and  her  love  ? 

"  What  can  I  do  to  prove  that  I  repent  ?"  cried  the 
sultan.  "  Tell  me,  Zara.  I  have  supplicated  for  pardon, 
what  more  can  I  do  ? " 

"  Let  my  lord  efface  all  traces  and  memory  of  my 
degradation.  Was  not  I  struck  by  two  vile  slaves,  who 
will  babble  through  the  city  ?  Was  not  I  held  down  by 
an  executioner  ?  These  arms,  which  have  wound  round 
the  master  of  the  world,  and  no  other,  polluted  by  his 
gripe." 

The  sultan  clapped  his  hands,  and  the  Kislar  Aga 
appeared.  **  Quick,"  exclaimed  he,  **  the  heads  of  the 
slaves  and  executioner  who  inflicted  the  punishment." 
In  a  minute  the  Kislar  Aga  appeared ;  he  perceived  how 
matters  stood,  and  trembled  for  his  own.  He  held  up 
the  three  heads,  one  after  another,  and  then  returned 
them  to  the  sack  of  sawdust  in  which  they  had  been 
brought. 

"  Are  you  satisfied  now,  Zara  ?  " 

**  For  myself,  yes — but  not  for  you.  Who  was  it  that 
persuaded  you  to  descend  from  your  dignity,  and  lower 
yourself,  by  yielding  to  the  instigations  of  malice  ?  Who 
was  it  that  advised  the  bastinado  ?  As  a  woman,  I  am  too 
proud  to  be  jealous  of  her ;  but  as  one  who  values  your 
honour,  and  your  reputation,  I  cannot  permit  you  to  have 
so  dangerous  a  counsellor.  Your  virgins,  your  omras, 
your  princes,  will  all  be  at  her  mercy ;  your  throne  may 
be  overturned  by  her  taking  advantage  of  her  power." 

The  sultan  hesitated. 

**  Sultan,  you  have  but  to  choose  between  two  things ; 
if  she  be  alive  to-morrow  morning,  I  am  dead  by  my  own 
hand.     You  know  T  never  lie." 


'^']^  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

The  sultan  clapped  his  hands,  the  Klislar  Aga  again 
appeared.  "  Her  head,"  said  he,  hesitatingly.  The  Kislar 
Aga  waited  a  little,  to  ascertain  if  there  was  no  reprieve, 
for  too  hasty  a  compliance  with  despots  is  almost  as 
dangerous  as  delay.  He  caught  my  eye — he  saw  at  once, 
that  if  not  her  head,  it  would  be  his  own,  and  he  quitted 
the  room.  In  a  few  minutes  he  held  up  by  its  fair  tresses 
the  head  of  my  beautiful  rival ;  I  looked  at  the  distorted 
features,  and  was  satisfied.  I  motioned  with  my  hand, 
and  the  Kislar  Aga  withdrew. 

"  Now,  Zara,  do  you  forgive  me  ?  Now  do  you 
believe  that  I  sincerely  love  you,  and  have  I  obtained  my 
pardon  ? " 

"  Yes,"  replied  I,  **  I  do,  sultan ;  I  forgive  you  all ;  and 
now 1  will  permit  you  to  sit  by  me  and  bathe  my  feet.'^ 

From  that  day  I  resumed  my  empire  with  more  despotic 
power  than  ever.  I  insisted  that  I  should  refuse  his  visits 
when  I  felt  so  inclined ;  and  when  I  imagined  that  there 
was  the  slightest  degree  of  satiety  on  his  part,  he  was 
certain  to  be  refused  admittance  for  a  fortnight.  I  became 
the  depositary  of  his  secrets  and  the  mover  of  his  counsels. 
My  sway  was  unlimited,  and  I  never  abused  it.  I  loved 
him,  and  his  honour  and  his  welfare  were  the  only  guides 
to  my  conduct. 

"But  your  highness  will  probably  be  tired,  and  as  I 
have  now  told  how  it  was  that  I  suffered  the  bastinado, 
you  will  perhaps  wait  till  to-morrow  for  the  history  of  the 
bowstring." 

"  I  believe  that  the  old  woman  is  right,"  said  Mustapha, 
yawning  ;  "  it  is  late.  Is  it  your  highness's  pleasure  that 
she  shall  return  to-morrow  evening  ? " 

"Be  it  so;  but  let  her  be  in  close  custody — you  re- 
member." 

"  Be  chesm — on  my  eyes  be  it.  Guards,  remove  this 
woman  from  the  sublime  presence." 

**  It  appears  to  me,"  said  the  pacha  to  Mustapha,  "  that 
this  old  woman's  story  may  be  true.     The  description  of 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ;^y^ 

the  harem  is  so  correct — commanding  one  day,  bastinadoed 
the  next." 

*'  Who  can  doubt  the  fact,  your  sublime  highness  ? 
The  Lord  of  Life  dispenses  as  he  thinks  fit." 

**Very  true;  he  might  send  me  the  bowstring  to- 
morrow." 

"  Allah  forbid  !  " 

**I  pray  with  you;  but  life  is  uncertain,  and  it  is  our 
fate.  You  are  my  vizier  to-day,  for  instance,  what  may 
you  be  to-morrow  ? " 

"Whatever  your  highness  may  decide,"  replied  Mus- 
tapha,  not  much  liking  the  turn  of  the  conversation. 
"Am  not  I  your  slave,  and  as  the  dirt  under  your  feet — 
and  shall  I  not  bow  to  your  sovereign  pleasure,  and  my 
destiny  ? " 

"It  is  well  said,  and  so  must  I,  if  the  caliph  sends  me  a 
Capitan  Badji,  which  Allah  forbid.  There  is  but  one  God, 
and  Mahomet  is  his  Prophet." 

"  Amen,"  replied  Mustapha.  "  Will  your  highness 
drink  of  the  water  of  Giaour  ?  " 

"  Yes,  truly  ;  for  what  says  the  poet  ?  *  We  are  merry 
to-day  and  to-morrow  we  die.' " 

"Min  Allah;  God  forbid  !  That  old  woman  has  lived 
a  long  while,  why  shouldn't  we  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know ;  but  she  has  had  the  bowstring  and  is 
not  yet  dead.     We  may  not  be  so  fortunate." 

"  May  we  never  have  it  at  all ;  then  shall  we  escape,  O 
pacha." 

**  True,  Mustapha ;  so  give  me  the  bottle." 


Chapter  XXI 

The  next  evening  the  old  woman  made  her  appearance, 
without  raising  any  difficulty,  as  on  the  previous  day,  and 
took  her  seat  before  the  pacha,  and  thus  continued : — 

As  I  stated  to  your  highness  last  evening  when  I  broke 


374  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

off  my  narrative,  I  was  in  the  highest  favour  with  the 
sultan,  who  made  me  his  confidant.  He  had  often 
mentioned  to  me  the  distinguished  services  of  a  young 
seraskier,  whom  he  had  lately  appointed  capitan  pacha,  to 
combat  in  the  north  against  a  barbarous  nation  called 
Sclavonians,  or  Russians.  My  curiosity  was  raised  to  see 
this  Rustam  of  a  warrior,  for  his  exploits  and  unvaried 
success  were  constantly  the  theme  of  the  sultan's  en- 
comiums. A  Georgian  slave,  who  had  been  the  favourite 
previous  to  my  arrival,  and  who  had  never  forgiven  my 
supplanting  her,  had  been  sent  to  him  by  the  sultan  as  a 
compliment ;  and  this  rare  distinction  had  been  conferred 
upon  him  on  the  day  when  I  requested  leave  to  remain 
behind  the  screen  in  the  hall  of  the  divan,  that  I  might 
behold  this  celebrated  and  distinguished  person.  He  was 
indeed  a  splendid  figure,  and  his  face  was  equally  perfect. 
He  formed,  in  outward  appearance,  all  that  I  could  imagine 
of  a  hero.  As  I  looked  at  him  from  behind  the  screen,  he 
turned  his  head  from  me,  and  I  beheld,  to  my  surprise,  the 
red  stain  on  his  neck,  which  told  me,  at  once,  that  I  had 
found  my  long-lost  brother.  Delighted  at  the  recontre,  I 
retired  as  soon  as  the  audience  was  over,  and  the  sultan 
came  to  my  apartment ;  I  told  him  the  discovery  which  I 
had  made.  The  sultan  appeared  pleased  at  the  information : 
and  the  next  day  sending  for  my  brother,  he  asked  him  a 
few  questions  relative  to  his  lineage  and  former  life,  which 
corroborated  my  story,  and,  loading  him  with  fresh 
honours,  he  dismissed  him.  I  was  delighted  that,  in 
finding  my  brother,  I  had  found  one  who  was  not  un- 
worthy of  the  sultan's  regard,  and  I  considered  it  a  most 
fortunate  circumstance ;  but  how  blind  are  mortals ! 
My  brother  was  the  cause  of  my  disgrace  and  eternal 
separation  from  the  sultan.  I  mentioned  to  your  highness 
that  the  Georgian  slave,  who  had  preceded  me  in  the 
sultan's  favour,  had  been  sent  as  a  present  to  my  brother. 
This  woman,  although  she  had  always  appeared  fond  of 
me,  was,  in  fact,  my  most  bitter  enemy.  She  was  very 
beautiful  and  clever,  and  soon  obtained  the  most  unlimited 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ^y^ 

influence  over  my  brother.  Yet  she  loved  him  not ;  she 
had  but  one  feeling  to  gratify,  which  was  revenge  on  me. 
My  brother  had  so  often  led  the  troops  to  victory,  that  he 
had  acquired  an  unbounded  sway  over  them.  Stimulated 
by  their  suggestions,  and  his  own  ambition,  which  like 
mine,  was  boundless,  he  was  at  last  induced  to  plot  against 
his  master,  with  the  intention  of  dethroning  him,  and 
reigning  in  his  stead.  To  his  new  wife,  the  Georgian,  he 
had  intrusted  his  plans ;  and  she  resolved  to  regain  the 
favour  of  the  sultan  and  accomplish  my  ruin,  by  making 
me  a  party,  and  then  communicating  to  him  the  treason 
which  was  in  agitation.  She  proposed  to  my  brother  that 
he  should  inform  me  of  his  intentions,  alleging,  that  in  all 
probability  I  would  assist  him,  as  I  cared  little  for  the 
sultan  ;  and  at  all  events,  if  I  did  not  join,  my  interest 
might  save  him  from  his  wrath.  For  some  time  he  refused 
to  accede  to  her  suggestions ;  but  as  she  pointed  out  that 
if  the  plot  were  discovered,  I,  as  his  sister,  would  certainly 
share  his  fate,  and  that  she  well  knew  that  I  had  never 
forgiven  the  punishment  of  the  bastinado  which  I  had 
received,  and  only  waited  for  an  opportunity  to  revenge 
myself,  he  at  last  consented  to  make  me  a  party  to  his 
intentions.  My  brother  had  been  allowed  to  visit  me,  and 
he  took  this  opportunity  of  stating  to  me  his  schemes.  I 
started  from  him  with  horror,  pointed  out  to  him  his 
ingratitude  and  folly,  and  entreated  him  to  abandon  his 
purpose.  Convinced  that  I  was  firmly  attached  to  the 
sultan,  he  appeared  to  acquiesce  in  the  justice  of  my  re- 
marks, confessed  that  he  was  wrong,  and  promised  me 
faithfully  to  think  no  more  of  his  treacherous  designs.  I 
believed  him  to  be  sincere,  and  I  shed  tears  of  joy,  as  I 
thanked  him  for  having  yielded  to  my  entreaties.  We 
separated,  and  in  a  short  time  I  thought  no  more  of  the 
subject. 

But  he  had  no  idea  of  abandoning  his  purpose  ;  in  fact, 
he  was  already  too  deeply  involved  to  be  able  to  do  so. 
His  arrangements  went  on  rapidly,  and  when  all  was  ripe, 
the  Georgian  gave  information  to  the  sultan,  denouncing 
me  as  a  party  as  well  as  my  brother. 


2^^^  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

One  morning  as  I  was  sitting  in  my  apartment,  arrang- 
ing on  a  tray  a  present  for  my  lord  and  master,  I  was 
surprised  by  the  abrupt  entrance  of  the  Kislar  Aga, 
accompanied  by  guards,  who  without  explanation  seized 
me,  and  led  me  into  the  presence-chamber,  where  the 
sultan  and  all  the  officers  of  state  were  assembled.  It 
immediately  rushed  into  my  mind  that  my  brother  had 
deceived  me.  Pale  with  anxiety,  but  at  the  same  time 
with  a  feeling  of  delight  that  the  plot  had  been  discovered, 
I  entered  the  divan,  where  I  beheld  my  brother  in  the 
custody  of  the  palace-guard.  He  had  been  seized  in  the 
divan,  as  his  popularity  was  so  great,  that  a  few  minutes' 
notice  would  have  enabled  him  not  only  to  escape,  but  to 
have  put  his  treasonable  plans  into  execution  •,  but  he  bore 
himself  with  such  a  haughty  air,  with  his  arms  folded 
across  his  breast,  that  I  thought  he  might  be  innocent ; 
and  that  he  had,  as  he  promised  me,  abandoned  all  thoughts 
of  rebellion. 

I  turned  towards  the  sultan,  who  fixed  his  eyes  upon 
me ;  his  brows  were  knit  with  anger,  and  he  commenced, 
"  Zara,  your  brother  is  accused  of  treason,  which  he  denies. 
You,  also,  are  charged  with  being  privy  to  his  designs. 
Answer  me,  do  you  know  anything  of  these  plots  ? " 

I  did  not  know  how  to  answer  this  question,  and  I 
would  not  tell  a  lie.  I  did  know  something  about  his 
intentions ;  but  as  he  had  denied  the  charge,  it  was  not 
to  be  expected  that  he  should  be  condemned  by  the 
mouth  of  his  only  sister.  Perhaps  he  had,  as  he  had 
promised  me,  abandoned  his  ideas  j — perhaps  it  could 
not  be  proved  against  him.  My  answer  would  have 
been  the  signal  for  his  death.  I  could  not  give  the 
answer  required,  and  I  replied,  "  If  my  brother  be  found 
guilty  of  rebelling  against  his  sovereign,  let  him 
suffer.  I,  my  lord,  have  never  plotted  or  rebelled  against 
you." 

"  Answer  my  question,  Zara.  Do  you  know  anything 
about  this  plot  ?  Yes  or  no.  Say  w,  and  I  shall  believe 
you." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ^ill 

"  Your  slave  has  never  plotted  against  her  lord,"  replied 
I.     **  Further  I  cannot  answer  your  question." 

"  Then  it  is  true  *, — and  Zara — even  Zara  is  false  !  " 
cried  the  sultan,  clasping  his  hands  in  agony.  "  O ! 
where  can  a  person  in  my  situation  find  one  who  is  faith- 
ful and  true,  when  Zara,  even  Zara  is  false  ?  " 

"  No — no,  my  lord,"  cried  I,  bursting  into  tears  j 
**  Zara  is  true ; — always  has  been,  always  will  be,  true. 
That  I  can  boldly  answer — but  do  not  press  the  other 
question." 

The  sultan  looked  at  me  for  a  short  time,  and  then 
consulted  with  the  viziers  and  others,  who  stood  by  the 
throne  with  their  arms  folded.  The  chief  vizier  replied, 
"  Those  who  know  of  treason,  and  conceal  it,  are  parti- 
cipators in  the  crime." 

"  True — most  true.  Zara,  for  the  last  time  I  ask  you, 
what  do  you  know  of  this  intended  insurrection  ?  I  must 
be  trifled  with  no  longer.     A  plain  answer,  or " 

"  I  cannot  answer  that  question,  my  lord." 

"  Zara,  as  you  value  your  life,  answer  me  immediately," 
cried  the  sultan,  with  violence  ; — but  I  answered  not. 

Twice  more  did  the  forbearance  and  love  of  the  sultan 
induce  him  to  repeat  the  question  ;  but  I  remained  silent. 

He  waved  his  hands,  I  was  seized  by  the  mutes,  and 
the  bowstring  encircled  my  neck.  All  was  ready,  they 
awaited  but  the  last  signal  to  tighten  the  fatal  cord. 

"  Once  more,  Zara,  will  you  answer ;  or  brave  me  to 
your  destruction  ? " 

"  Sultan,  I  will  at  least  speak  to  you  before  I  die.  I 
only  wish  to  declare  my  fidelity  and  my  love  to  you  in 
my  last  moments,  to  tell  you  that  I  forgive  you  for  that 
which,  when  the  truth  is  known,  you  will  never  forgive 
yourself.  One  moment  more.  Let  me  remove  this  jewelled 
chain  from  my  neck,  now  superseded  by  the  bowstring. 
You  presented  it  to  me  when  convinced  of  my  attachment 
and  my  love.  Take  it,  sultan,  and  when  you  find  one 
as  faithful  and  as  true,  present  it  to  her ;  but  until  you 
do  so,   wear  it  in  memory  of  Zara.     And  now  let  me 


;^y8  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

throw  my  veil  over  those  features  which  have  always 
beamed  with  love  and  delight  on  you,  that  when  I  am 
dead,  and  you  call  them  to  your  recollection,  they  may 
be  as  you  have  been  used  to  see  them,  and  not  black 
with  convulsions  and  distorted  with  agony.  My  lord, 
my  dear  and  honoured  lord,  farewell !  " 

The  sultan  was  deeply  moved ;  he  turned  away  his 
head,  and  covered  his  face  with  one  hand,  while  the 
other  dropped  at  his  side  from  the  intensity  of  his 
feelings. 

Although  it  never  was  so  intended,  this  dropping  of 
his  hand  was  considered  as  the  signal  for  my  death.  The 
string  was  tightened,  and  buried  itself,  cutting  deeply 
into  the  flesh  of  a  neck  once  as  fair  and  smooth  as  the 
polished  marble  of  Patras.  For  the  first  moments  my 
torture  was  excruciating — my  eyes  were  forcing  out  of 
their  sockets — my  tongue  protruded  from  my  mouth — 
my  brain  appeared  to  be  on  fire — but  all  recollection  soon 
departed. 

**  Staffir  Allah !  God  forgive  me !  but  are  you  not 
laughing  at  our  beards,  old  scarecrow  ?  What  think  you, 
Mustapha?"  continued  the  pacha,  turning  to  him.  "What 
is  all  this  but  lies  f  " 

"  Lies  !  "  screamed  the  old  woman.  "  Lies  !  you  tell 
me  they  are  lies  !  Well,  well  —  the  time  has  been. 
Pacha,  after  what  I  have  suffered  by  telling  the  truth  all 
my  life,  it  is  hard,  in  my  old  age,  to  be  told  that  I  lie  ; 
but  you  shall  be  convinced,"  and  the  old  woman  put  her 
hands  up  to  the  shrivelled,  pendent  skin  of  her  neck, 
and  stretching  it  out  smooth,  showed  a  deep  blue  mark, 
which  encircled  it  like  a  necklace.  "  Now  are  you 
satisfied  ?  " 

The  pacha  nodded  his  head  to  Mustapha,  as  if  con- 
vinced ;  and  then  said,  "  You  may  proceed." 

**  Yes,  I  may  proceed  ;  but  I  tell  you,  pacha,  that  if 
you  doubt  what  I  say  once  more,  I  will  return  your 
twenty  pieces  of  gold,  and  hold  my  tongue.     I  proved 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  379 

that  I  could  do  it  as   a  young   woman,  and  we  become 
more  obstinate  as  we  get  old." 

"  That  is  no  lie,"  observed  Mustapha.  **  Continue, 
old  woman,  and  we  will  not  interrupt  you  with  doubts 
again." 

My  brother,  who  had  watched  every  motion  of  the 
sultan's,  and  who  had  determined  to  reveal  all  rather 
than  that  I  should  suffer,  when  he  perceived  the  fatal 
mistake,  which  he  did  not  till  some  moments  afterwards, 
uttered  a  loud  cry,  and  attempted  to  burst  from  his 
guards.  Roused  by  the  cry,  the  sultan  looked  up,  and 
perceived  what  had  taken  place.  In  a  moment  he  darted 
from  his  throne,  and  was  kneeling  by  me  with  frantic 
exclamations.  The  mutes  hastily  tore  away  the  bowstring, 
but  I  was,  to  all  appearance,  dead. 

*'  Yes,  sultan,  well  you  may  rave,"  exclaimed  my 
brother ;  "  for  you  have  good  cause.  You  have  de- 
stroyed one  who,  as  she  declared  with  her  last  breath, 
was  most  faithful  and  most  true.  I  acknowledge  the 
conspiracy.  I  told  her  my  intentions,  and  she  thought 
that  she  had  succeeded  in  preventing  me,  for  I  promised 
by  the  three  to  abandon  my  design.  She  has  been  faithful 
both  to  you  and  to  me,  for  she  believed  that,  although 
accused,  I  had  atoned  for  my  fault  by  repentance." 

The  sultan  looked  earnestly  at  my  brother,  but  made 
no  answer.  He  embraced  me,  at  one  moment  bursting 
into  tears,  in  the  next  calling  for  assistance.  I  was  re- 
moved to  my  apartments,  and  after  some  time,  the 
physicians  succeeded  in  restoring  me  to  life  ;  but  I  was 
for  many  days  confused  and  dizzy  in  the  brain,  during 
which  time  every  attention  and  care  was  lavished  on  me. 
One  evening  I  felt  sufficiently  recovered  to  speak,  and  I 
demanded  of  my  attendants  what  had  taken  place.  They 
informed  me  that  the  mutes,  who  had  mistaken  the  signal, 
had  been  impaled,  and  that  the  Janissaries  had  risen  and 
demanded  my  brother,  whose  execution  had  been  deferred 
by  the  sultan ;  but  that  on  the  commotion  taking  place. 


380  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

by  order  of  the  grand  vizier, — my  brother  had  been 
executed,  and  his  head  thrown  out  to  the  rebellious  troops, 
who  had  been  dispersed,  and  had  since  been  brought  to 
subjection,  and  some  hundreds  of  the  ringleaders  had 
been  executed.  I  turned  away  at  this  intelligence,  for  I 
loved  my  noble  but  misguided  brother.  The  movement 
occasioned  excruciating  pain,  which  arose  from  the  deep 
wound  made  by  the  bowstring  in  my  neck. 

The  next  morning  I  rose,  that  I  might  contemplate  my 
person  in  the  mirror,  and  I  at  once  perceived  the  alteration 
which  had  taken  place.  There  was  a  certain  degree  of 
distortion  of  features  which  I  thought  would  never  be 
removed.  I  felt,  that  although  the  sultan  might  respect 
me,  I  could  not  expect  the  same  influence  and  undivided 
attention  as  before.  With  a  heavy  heart  I  threw  myself 
on  the  couch,  and  planned  for  the  future.  I  reflected 
upon  the  uncertain  tenure  by  which  the  affections  of  a 
despot  are  held,  and  I  resolved  to  part.  Still  I  loved 
him,  loved  him  in  spite  of  all  his  cruelty ;  but  my  resolu- 
tion was  made.  For  six  weeks  I  refused  to  see  the 
sultan,  although  he  inquired  every  day,  and  sent  me 
magnificent  presents.  At  the  end  of  that  period  I  had 
recovered,  and  all  that  remained  from  the  effects  of  the 
bowstring  v/as  a  slight  wrinkling  of  the  skin  from  dis- 
tension, and  the  deep  blue  mark  round  my  neck  which  I 
have  just  shown  to  your  highness. 

When  I  first  admitted  the  sultan,  he  was  much  affected. 
"  Zara,"  said  he,  mournfully,  "  I  swear  by  the  holy 
prophet  that  I  meant  not  to  give  the  signal." 

"  I  believe  you,  my  lord,"  replied  I,  calmly. 

"  Neither  did  I  intend  that  your  brother  should  suffer. 
I  meant  to  have  gained  your  favour  by  his  pardon." 

"He  was  a  traitor,  my  lord,  an  ungrateful  traitor,  and 
deserved  his  death.     So  may  all  like  him  perish." 

"  And  now,  Zara,  may  I  hope  for  your  forgiveness  ? " 

"  On  one  condition,  sultan  ;  and  swear  that  you  will 
grant  what  I  require." 

"  I  do,  by  Allah  !  " 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  381 

'*  It  is,  that  you  send  me  back  to  my  own  country." 
Not  to  detain  your  highness  by  dwelling  too  long  upon 
what  passed,  it  will  suffice  to  say,  that  notwithstanding 
the  entreaties  of  the  sultan,  and  the  pleadings  of  my  own 
heart,  my  resolution  was  immovable.  Every  arrangement 
was  made  for  my  departure,  and  during  the  preparations, 
the  sultan  was  continually  with  me,  persuading  me  to 
abandon  the  idea.  The  magnificence  and  liberality  which 
he  showed  in  the  costly  presents  bestowed  upon  me, 
that  I  might  return  with  honour  and  wealth  to  my  own 
country,  more  than  once  made  me  waver  in  my  resolution. 
The  evening  before  my  departure  he  made  a  last  attempt, 
but  in  vain.  My  refusal  was  at  least  softened  by  the 
tears  which  I  shed,  for  now  that  the  time  of  departure 
was  so  near,  I  felt  how  truly,  how  devotedly  I  was 
attached  to  him.  We  parted  ;  I  threw  myself  on  the 
couch,  and  wept  till  the  dawn  of  day,  when  I  was 
summoned  to  commence  my  journey. 

As  your  highness  may  be  aware  is  the  custom,  when  my 
brother  was  executed,  all  his  property  was  seized  by  the 
sultan,  and  distributed  among  the  favourites.  The  new 
capitan  pacha  who  succeeded  my  brother  was  called 
Abdallah,  and  was  said  to  be  an  excellent  soldier.  Part 
of  my  brother's  property  was  made  over  to  him,  and  among 
the  rest  the  Georgian  slave,  who  had  been  the  ruin  of  my 
brother,  and  had  so  fatally  destroyed  my  happiness.  To 
show  me  every  attention  and  respect,  the  sultan  had 
ordered  Abdallah  in  person  to  escort  me  to  my  own 
country,  with  a  picked  body  of  cavalry.  The  cavalcade 
was  magnificent — treasure  had  been  heaped  on  treasure — 
present  upon  present ;  twenty  women  of  my  own  country, 
and  numerous  slaves  had  been  permitted  to  attend  upon 
me,  and  the  procession  wore  the  appearance  of  a  pageant. 
I  ascended  my  litter  with  an  aching  heart ;  and,  journey- 
ing by  easy  stages,  arrived  at  the  land  of  my  nativity. 
The  borders  were  passed,  and  Abdallah  requested  me  to 
write  an  acknowledgment  that  he  had  done  his  duty, 
which  the  sultan  would  require  of  him  upon  his  return. 


382  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

I  gave  him  the  paper,  and,  professing  many  wishes  for  my 
future  happiness,  he  assembled  his  troops,  and  the  escort 
turned  the  heads  of  their  neighing  steeds  towards  the  city, 
where  my  heart  had  truly  been  left  behind. 

It  will  now  be  necessary  to  revert  to  the  Georgian  slave, 
who  had  been  presented  to  my  brother  by  the  sultan,  and 
had  afterwards  been  made  over  to  Abdallah.  When  she 
heard  that  I  was  about  to  depart  for  my  own  country,  loaded 
with  presents,  her  rage  was  without  bounds.  Already 
had  her  beauty  and  talents  made  great  impression  upon 
Abdallah,  and  she  soon  won  him  over  to  a  plot  which 
would  be  advantageous  to  him,  at  the  same  time  that  it 
would  throw  me,  whom  she  distrusted,  into  her  power. 
She  proposed  to  Abdallah  that,  after  having  escorted  me 
to  the  frontiers,  and  received  from  me  the  acknowledg- 
ment required  by  the  sultan,  he  should  follow  my  small 
escort  of  slaves,  cut  them  to  pieces,  take  possession  of  me 
and  all  my  treasure,  and  return  with  it  to  Constantinople, 
where  I  might  be  immured  in  his  harem.  The  avarice 
of  Abdallah  was  not  able  to  withstand  the  temptation, 
and  aware  that  there  was  no  chance  of  the  nefarious 
transaction  being  discovered  by  the  sultan,  he  agreed 
to  the  proposal.  On  the  second  night  after  we  had 
parted  with  Abdallah,  a  body  of  horsemen  galloped  down 
upon  us,  and  all  my  attendants,  male  and  female,  were 
massacred.  I  was  seized,  put  into  a  sack,  and  thrown 
across  a  horse,  and  as  soon  as  the  treasure  could  be 
collected,  they  set  ofF  at  a  rapid  pace.  I  was  nearly  dead 
when  they  halted,  and  when  I  was  removed  from  my 
painful  situation  I  fainted  away. 

Abdallah  had  never  seen  my  face ;  the  soldiers  reported 
me  dead,  and  he  was  glad  when  he  heard  of  it,  for  it  was 
only  to  please  his  wife  that  he  had  promised  to  bring  me 
back.  He  walked  up  to  where  I  lay,  and  was,  even  in 
my  miserable  situation,  enamoured  with  my  beauty.  His 
heart  acknowledged  that  I  was  the  most  valuable  of  all 
his  plunder.  Every  care  and  attention  was  bestowed 
upon  me,  and  after   several  hours'  halt   to  allow  me  to 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  383 

refresh  myself,  I  was  placed  in  a  small  litter,  and  our 
journey  recommenced.  He  was  studious  to  obtain  my 
favour :  at  first  I  spurned  him :  but  when  he  told  me 
that  the  Georgian  slave  had  instigated  him  to  the  deed, 
and  had  insisted  that  he  should  bring  me  back,  I  well 
knew  for  what  purpose,  and  thought  only  of  revenge. 
I  feigned  to  be  less  averse  to  him,  and  before  our  journey 
was  over,  had  used  all  my  powers  of  fascination  with 
triumphant  success.  At  last  our  wearied  horses  arrived 
at  Stamboul,  and  after  waiting  in  the  suburbs  till  the 
evening  closed  in,  that  the  cavalcade  might  not  attract 
attention,  it  proceeded  to  the  house  of  Abdallah,  and 
I  was  once  more  in  the  precincts  of  a  harem.  The 
Georgian  slave  hastened  to  meet  me  when  she  was 
informed  of  our  arrival,  and  taking  off  her  slipper, 
she  struck  me  contemptuously  on  the  mouth,  with  such 
force  as  to  cause  the  blood  to  flow. 

**  Now,  sultana,"  cried  she,  *'  the  day  is  mine  ;  again 
shall  you  receive  the  bastinado.  Aye,  and  again  shall 
the  bowstring  be  applied  to  your  proud  neck,  and 
more  effectually  than  before."  She  then  ordered  her 
slaves  to  strip  me,  and  put  on  the  meanest  attire.  When 
that  was  done,  she  spat  in  my  face,  and  left  me  without 
speaking ;  but  the  flashing  of  her  eyes  gave  evidence 
of  the  fiery  passions  which  were  raging  in  her  bosom. 

In  the  meantime,  Abdallah  had  proceeded  to  the 
palace,  to  present  to  the  sultan  the  document  proving 
my  safe  arrival,  and  having  so  done,  he  hastened  back 
to  his  own  house.  As  soon  as  he  entered  the  harem, 
instead  of  visiting  the  Georgian  slave,  who  had  arrayed 
herself  for  his  reception,  he  inquired  of  the  astonished 
women  in  which  chamber  I  had  been  accommodated. 
They  hesitatingly  replied,  pointing  it  out  to  him.  He 
entered,  and  found  me  clothed  in  a  slave's  dress,  with  my 
face  covered  with  blood.  When  I  stated  the  treatment 
I  had  received,  and  the  further  threat  of  the  bastinado 
and  the  bowstring,  his  rage  was  beyond  all  bounds. 
Ordering   all  the  women  to  attend  me,  he  quitted  me. 


384  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

that  I  might  resume  my  own  dress,  intimating  that  he 
hoped  that  I  would  allow  him  to  sup  with  me  that 
evening.  My  desire  for  revenge  induced  me  to  grant  his 
request,  and  he  quitted  the  harem  to  look  after  the 
treasure  of  which  I  had  been  robbed. 

In  the  meantime,  the  other  women  had  communicated 
to  the  Georgian  slave  all  that  had  occurred,  and  she  was 
frantic  at  the  information.  Fearful  of  her,  I  kept  my  door 
fast  until  the  arrival  of  Abdallah,  who  sent  to  inquire 
whether  I  would  receive  him.  He  was  admitted,  and 
again  expressed  his  indignation  at  the  conduct  of  my  rival, 
offering,  as  a  proof  of  his  attachment,  to  abandon  her 
to  my  resentment.  I  had  no  time  for  reply  before  the 
door  was  burst  open,  the  Georgian  flew  in  and  aimed  her 
dagger  at  my  heart.  Abdallah  had  sufficient  time  to  ward 
the  blow,  and  as  the  weapon  passed  through  his  left  arm, 
with  his  right  hand  he  dashed  her  on  the  floor.  Pale  with 
rage  and  pain  he  called  his  people.  "  She  threatened  you, 
Zara,  with  the  bastinado  and  the  bowstring.  She  has 
sealed  her  own  doom." 

By  his  orders  her  slippers  were  torn  off,  and  she  received 
fifty  blows  of  the  bastinado ;  then,  as  she  screamed  with 
pain,  and  held  up  her  hands  for  mercy,  the  mutes  were 
summoned,  and  the  bowstring  was  applied.  My  revenge 
was  more  than  satiated,  and  I  covered  up  my  eyes  that  I 
might  not  be  a  witness  to  the  dreadful  spectacle.  When 
I  removed  my  hands,  I  found  Abdallah  only  in  the 
apartment,  and  my  rival  lying  a  blackened  corpse  upon 
the  floor. 

For  three  years  I  remained  in  the  harem  of  Abdallah, 
and,  if  not  happy,  was  resigned  to  my  fate.  He  was 
devotedly  attached  to  me,  and,  if  I  could  not  return 
his  love,  I  was  not  deficient  in  gratitude.  At  last  a  second 
war  broke  out  between  the  Turks  and  Russians,  and 
Abdallah  was  ordered  to  put  himself  at  the  head  of  his 
troops,  and  drive  the  invaders  back  to  their  regions  of 
frost  and  snow.  As  was  the  custom  with  Turkish 
commanders,  all   his   harem  accompanied  him,   and  after 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  385 

travelling  about  from  one  territory  to  another,  sometimes 
in  pursuit  of,  and  at  others  retreating  before  the  enemy's 
forces,  we  were  shut  up  in  the  fortress  of  Ismael,  with 
orders  to  defend  it  to  the  last. 

I  shall  not  weary  your  highness  with  a  detail  of  what 
occurred.  I  shall  only  say,  that  after  the  town  had  been 
nearly  reduced  to  ashes,  by  the  shells  and  shot,  which  had 
set  fire  to  it  at  least  one  hundred  times,  it  was  taken 
by  storm,  with  immense  slaughter.  We  sat  in  our 
apartments,  listening  with  terror  to  the  alternate  shouting 
and  shrieking — the  noise  of  the  bursting  of  the  shells, 
the  whizzing  of  the  balls,  the  cries  of  the  wounded, 
and  the  terrific  roaring  of  the  flames,  which  were  now 
consuming  the  whole  town  in  their  fury.  At  last  our 
doors  were  burst  open,  and  the  enemy  entered.  "We 
screamed,  and  would  have  fled,  but  in  vain.  What 
became  of  the  rest  I  know  not,  but  I  was  dragged 
over  the  dead  and  the  dying,  through  smoke  and  through 
flame,  until  I  fainted  away  with  terror  and  exhaustion. 
When  I  recovered,  I  found  myself  in  a  hut,  lying  on 
a  small  bed,  and  attended  by  two  bearded  monsters, 
whom  I  afterwards  discovered  were  Cossacks.  They 
were  chafing  my  limbs  with  their  rough  hands,  without 
the  least  regard  for  decorum.  As  soon  as  I  opened 
my  eyes,  one  of  them  poured  a  little  spirits  down  my 
throat,  and  wrapping  me  up  in  a  horse-cloth,  they  left 
me — to  meditate  upon  my  misfortunes. 

I  discovered  that  evening  that  I  had,  by  the  fortune 
of  war,  become  the  property  of  a  Russian  general,  who 
had  no  time  for  making  love.  With  him  it  was  all  ready 
made,  as  a  matter  of  course.  Still  he  was  a  handsome 
man,  and  when  not  tipsy,  was  good-humoured  and 
generous  -,  but  the  bivouacs,  even  of  a  general,  were  very 
different  from  the  luxuries  to  which  I  had  been  ac- 
customed. I  lived  badly,  and  was  housed  worse.  It 
so  unfortunately  happened,  that  my  protector  was  a  great 
gambler,  as  indeed  are  all  Russians ;  and  one  morning,  to 
my  surprise,  a  handsome  young  oflicer  came  into  the  tent 
p  2  B 


^S6  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

and  the  general  very  unceremoniously  handed  me  over  to 
him.  My  beauty  had  been  made  known  in  the  camp,  and 
the  Russian  general,  having  the  night  before  lost  all 
his  money,  had  staked  me  for  one  thousand  sequins,  and 
had  lost.  My  new  master  was  a  careless,  handsome 
youth,  a  colonel  in  the  army ;  I  could  have  loved  him,  but 
I  had  not  time  ;  for  I  had  not  been  in  his  tent  more  than 
three  weeks,  before  I  was  again  gambled  away,  and  lost  to 
a  major.  I  had  hardly  time  to  make  myself  comfortable 
in  my  new  abode,  when  I  was  staked  and  lost  again.  In 
short,  your  highness,  in  that  campaign  I  was  the  property 
of  between  forty  and  fifty  Russian  officers,  and  what  with 
the  fatigue  of  marching,  the  badness  of  provisions,  and 
my  constant  unsettled  state  of  mind  and  body,  I  lost  much 
of  my  good  looks — so  much,  indeed,  that  I  found  out  that 
instead  of  being  taken  as  a  stake  of  one  thousand  sequins, 
I  was  not  valued  at  more  than  two  hundred.  I  can  assure 
your  highness  that  it  is  no  joke  to  go  through  a  Russian 
camp  in  that  way — to  be  handed  about  like  a  purse 
of  money,  out  of  one  man's  pocket  into  another's.  I  assure 
you,  that  before  the  campaign  was  over,  I  had  had 
quite  enough  of  the  Russians,  and  only  wished  that  the 
Turkish  army  might  rout  them,  and  I  could  find  myself 
once  more  in  a  harem.  It  was  then  that  I  first  lamented 
over  my  hard  fate,  and  that  of  the  sultan.  It  was  then 
that  I  first  used  the  expression,  when  I  thought  of 
my  condition,  and  that  I  said  to  myself,  "The  time 
has  been." 

At  last  the  army  was  ordered  to  march  back,  and  being 
then  the  property  of  a  Cossack,  he  put  me  on  a  pony,  and 
made  me  keep  up  with  the  squadron,  driving  me  before 
him  with  his  long  spear,  sometimes  sticking  the  point  into 
the  rear  of  the  pony,  and  sometimes  into  me,  by  way  of 
a  joke.  But  I  had  not  been  more  than  ten  days  on  the 
retreat,  before  he  sold  me,  pony,  bridle,  saddle,  altogether, 
as  a  bargain,  to  an  infantry  officer,  who  as  soon  as  he  had 
taken  possession,  made  me  dismount,  while  he  got  in  the 
saddle,   desiring  me  to  lay  hold  of  the  pony's  tail  and 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  ^Sy 

follow  him.  When  they  halted,  he  made  me  wait  upon 
him,  and  do  everything  which  he  required.  In  the 
morning  he  mounted  again,  and  I  had  to  walk  after  him, 
as  before.  This  was  hard  service  for  one  who  had  been 
the  favourite  of  the  sultan.  For  a  week  I  contrived  to 
hobble  after  him,  but  it  was  impossible  to  go  on  any 
longer.  "We  passed  through  a  town,  and  as  soon  as  we 
were  clear  of  the  gates  and  he  did  not  watch  me,  I  let 
go  the  tail  of  the  pony,  and  escaped  without  his  perceiving 
it.  I  regained  the  town,  and  faint  with  hunger  and 
fatigue,  sat  at  the  steps  of  a  large  house.  A  lady,  dressed 
in  rich  furs  and  sables,  came  out,  and  perceiving  that  my 
dress  was  foreign,  stopped,  and  inquired  of  me  who  I 
was.  I  told  her  in  a  few  words:  she  ordered  me  to 
be  received  and  taken  care  of.  A  few  days  afterwards 
she  sent  for  me,  and  I  then  narrated  to  her  my  history. 
She  was  kind  and  generous,  and  I  became  her  head 
attendant ;  I  was  contented  and  happy,  and  hoped  to 
die  in  her  service.  But  my  misfortunes  were  not  half 
over.  My  mistress  was  a  lady  of  rank,  and  much 
esteemed.  Her  house  was  always  full  of  company:  she 
was  rich,  and  gave  most  splendid  entertainments.  Her 
husband  had  been  dead  about  two  years,  but  she  was 
still  very  young,  and  exceedingly  beautiful.  One  evening, 
when  there  was  a  large  party  assembled  in  her  rooms, 
the  door  was  opened,  and  an  officer  came  up  to  her 
and  whispered  in  her  ear.  She  coloured,  trembled,  and 
said  that  she  would  be  ready  in  an  hour.  I  was  near 
her  at  the  time ;  she  beckoned  to  me,  hastened  to  her 
room,  and  burst  into  a  flood  of  tears. 

"  I  am  ordered  to  Petersburg  immediately,  on  a  charge 
of  treason.  My  conscience  tells  me  that  I  have  done 
nothing ;  but,  alas !  for  me,  the  emperor  has  no  mercy. 
Ekaterina,"  for  that  was  the  name  I  went  by,  "will 
you  accompany  me  ? — it  will  be  a  long,  and  a  melancholy 
journey.     God  knows  how  it  may  end." 

I  immediately  consented — packed  up  what  we  required, 
and  without    disturbing   those  who  were  enjoying  them- 


388  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

selves,  we  gained  the  courtyard,  and  took  our  seats  in 
a  britska,  in  company  with  the  officer.  In  four  days  we 
arrived  at  Petersburg,  and  my  mistress  was  separated 
from  me  and  thrown  into  prison.  She  never  saw  her 
accusers  or  her  judges ;  her  memorial  to  the  emperor 
was  disregarded,  and  she  was  condemned  —  but  her 
punishment  was  not  immediately  decided  upon. 

For  three  weeks  my  mistress  remained  in  prison.  I 
was,  by  the  humanity  of  the  officer,  who  had  the  charge 
of  her,  allowed  to  visit  her  for  a  few  minutes  every  day  ^ 
but  it  was  always  in  the  presence  of  a  third  person.  One 
morning  when  I  came,  the  poor  lady  fell  upon  my  neck 
and  sobbed  a  long  while  without  speaking ;  the  coun~ 
tenance  of  the  officer  was  also  melancholy  to  a  degree, 
and  I  perceived  that  a  tear  occasionally  trickled  down  his 
manly  cheek. 

"  Ekaterina,"  said  she,  at  last,  "  I  have  heard  my 
sentence,  and  am  to  be  punished  to-morrow.  O  God ! 
forgive  them  their  cruelty  and  injustice  ; "  and  she  sank 
from  my  arms  upon  the  floor  of  the  dungeon. 

We  raised  her,  and  she  recovered  a  little.  "  Yes, 
Ekaterina,  I  am  to  be  punished  to-morrow  for  a  crime 
of  which  I  am  innocent — a  punishment — God  have  mercy  ! 
— worse  than  death.  The  knout — the  knout — and  that 
attended  with  public  exposure  in  the  market-place.  May 
God  forgive  the  emperor  his  cruelty  !  " 

I  had  heard  of  this  dreadful  punishment,  but  little 
thought  that  women  suffered  by  it.     It  was  too  barbarous. 

"I  have  not  heard  of  it,"  said  the  pacha.  "Tell 
me,  old  woman,  is  it  worse  than  the  bastinado  ?  " 

"  Yes,  your  highness.  It  is  a  whip  of  enormous 
power,  so  that  if  the  executioner  has  a  private  order, 
he  can  kill  the  party  on  whom  it  is  inflicted  by  two  or 
three  blows ;  but  your  highness  will  better  comprehend 
the  nature  of  the  punishment  when  I  describe  what  I 
witnessed." 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  389 

My  dear  mistress  begged  me,  as  a  favour,  that  I  would 
attend  her  to  the  place  of  execution,  and  I  consented. 
Poor  creature  !    she,  as  well  as  I,  had  but   an  imperfect 
idea  of  what  she  was  to  endure.      The  punishment  was 
to  take  place  in   the  great  square,  and  the   troops  were 
out,  and  a   large   concourse   of  people  were    assembled. 
She    appeared   on    the    raised    platform    upon  which    she 
was  to   suffer,   in  a  genteel  undress,  which  contributed 
still  more  to  heighten  her  extreme  beauty.     The  sweet- 
ness of  her  countenance  obtained  for  her  the  commisera- 
tion  of    those   who   were    ordered    and    accustomed    to 
execute   the   will   of    the    despotic    and   cruel   emperor. 
Young,   lively,   and   admired,    sought   for,   and   caressed 
by  everybody,  high  in  rank,  and  rich  in  worldly  wealth, 
she  stood,  no  longer  surrounded  by  the  attentions   and 
homage   due   to   her   talents,  her   beauty,  and   her   wit, 
but  surrounded  only  by  stern  executioners.     She  looked 
at    them  with   astonishment,   seeming    to   doubt   if  such 
preparations   could   be   intended   for   her.      One   of  the 
executioners    then   pulled   off   a   kind   of    furred    tippet 
which  covered  her  bosom ;  her  modesty  taking  the  alarm, 
made  her  start  back   a   few  steps ;    she  turned  pale  and 
burst    into    tears.      Her    clothes    were    soon   afterwards 
all  stripped  oiF,  and  in  a  few  moments  she  was  all  naked 
to  the  waist,  exposed  to  the  looks  of  a  vast  multitude, 
who  were  all  profoundly  silent.     One  of  the  executioners 
then  seized  her  by  both  hands,  and  turning  half  round, 
threw  her  on  his  back,  bending  forwards,  so  as  to  raise 
her  feet  a  few  inches  from  the  ground,  and  the   other 
executioner,  with  his  rough  hands,  and  without  symptoms 
of  remorse,  adjusted  her  on  the  back  of  his  companion, 
in    a   posture    most   convenient    for    her    to   receive    her 
punishment.      Sometimes    he    pressed    his    large    hands 
brutally  upon  her  head,   in  order  to  make  her  keep  it 
down:   at    others,  like    a    butcher    handling    a   lamb,   he 
appeared    to   soothe   her    until   he   had   fixed   her   in   a 
favourable   attitude.     He   then   took   the  knout,   a  whip 
made  of  a  long  strip  of  leather,  prepared  for  the  purpose  •, 


390  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

he  retreated  a  few  steps,  measuring  the  requisite  distance 
with  a  steady  eye,  and  looking  backwards,  gave  a  stroke 
with  the  end  of  the  whip,  so  as  to  carry  away  a  slip 
of  skin  from  the  neck  to  the  bottom  of  the  back;  then 
striking  his  feet  against  the  ground,  he  took  his  aim 
for  a  second  blow,  parallel  to  the  former,  so  that  in  a 
few  moments  all  the  skin  of  her  back  was  cut  away  in 
small  slips,  most  of  which  remained  hanging  to  her  shift 
and  dress  below.  I  fainted  with  horror  long  before  the 
punishment  was  over.  "  Good  heavens  !  "  thought  I, 
"  I  have  suffered  the  bastinado  and  the  bowstring,  but 
both  were  merciful  compared  to  this.  Is  there  no  God 
in  heaven  to  punish  such  despotic  cruelty  ? "  My  mistress 
was  not  dead,  and  the  surgeons  were  ordered  to  pay  her 
every  attention,  that  she  might  recover;  and  I  thought 
this  attention  on  the  part  of  the  emperor  in  some  measure 
made  amends  for  his  barbarity.  But,  God  in  heaven ! 
she  was  restored  to  life  that  she  might  be  more  cruelly 
punished;  for  no  sooner  was  she  able  to  bear  this  in- 
fliction, than  they  cut  out  her  tongue,  and  then  banished 
her  to  Siberia. 

Thus,  O  pacha !  was  my  beautiful  mistress  treated 
upon  mere  suspicion,  for  guilty  she  never  was.  I  had 
been  permitted  to  see  her  previous  to  her  latter  punish- 
ment, and  she  fancied,  poor  thing,  that  the  emperor's 
wrath  had  been  appeased,  and  that  she  would  have  been 
permitted  to  return  home,  but  her  tongue  was  cut  out 
without  her  receiving  any  warning  of  the  second  punish- 
ment which  awaited  her,  and  after  that  I  was  refused 
admittance,  and  I  never  saw  my  beautiful  and  ill-treated 
mistress  any  more.  It  was  from  the  officer  who  had  the 
charge  of  her  that  I  learnt  this  cruel  intelligence,  and  I 
went  back  to  my  lodgings  with  a  heart  bursting  with  grief 
and  indignation. 

I  was  resolved  that,  if  possible,  I  would  escape  from  a 
country  where  women's  tongues  were  cut  out ;  but  how 
to  manage  it  I  knew  not.  I  had  still  some  money  and 
valuables,  which  had  been  left  in  my  possession  by  my 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  391 

unfortunate  mistress,  and  I  made  inquiry  about  the  means 
of  proceeding  to  Constantinople,  where,  at  least,  I  should 
be  in  a  civilised  country.  At  last  a  Jew,  who  heard  that 
I  wished  to  go  to  the  southward,  ojffered  to  take  me  with 
him  as  soon  as  the  snow  was  on  the  ground,  for  which  I 
bargained  for  five  hundred  roubles.  In  a  fortnight  the 
winter  had  set  in,  and  we  got  into  a  drotski,  and  went 
away.  We  arrived  at  Moscow,  and  from  thence  we  at 
last  gained  Constantinople.  On  my  arrival  I  selected  my 
luggage,  that  I  might  pay  the  sum  agreed;  but  it  was 
snatched  from  me  by  the  old  rascal,  who  saluted  me  with 
a  kick  in  the  body  which  half-killed  me.  I  was  locked  up 
in  a  room,  and  in  half  an  hour  a  slave-merchant  came,  and 
I  was  sold  for  a  low  sum  and  taken  away,  remonstrating 
in  vain  against  the  injustice.  My  beauty  was  now  gone, 
I  was  more  than  thirty  years  old,  and  hardship  had  done 
the  rest. 

My  subsequent  life  has  been  nothing  but  a  series  of 
changes  and  disasters.  I  was  sold  to  a  pastrycook,  and 
broiled  by  standing  over  the  oven.  I  grew  obstinate  and 
was  punished  by  blows,  but  for  those  I  cared  not.  The 
pastry  was  burnt,  and  I  was  resold  to  a  barber,  whose  wife 
was  a  shrew,  and  half-killed  me ;  fortunately  the  barber 
was  accused  of  shaving  a  criminal,  who  had  escaped  from 
prison,  and  one  morning  was  stretched  out  before  his  own 
door,  with  his  head  under  his  arm.  His  wife  and  I  were 
both  sold  again  as  slaves. 

Thus  did  I  go  down-hill  each  year,  fetching  less  and 
less,  and  receiving  worse  treatment,  until  I  was  embarked 
with  several  others  by  an  Armenian,  who  was  bound  to 
Smyrna.  The  vessel  was  captured  by  an  Algerine  pirate, 
and  for  a  long  while  I  was  kept  on  board  to  cook  their 
victuals.  At  last  she  was  wrecked  on  this  coast ;  how  I 
escaped  I  know  not,  for  I  was  weary  of  life.  But  I  was 
thrown  up,  and  made  my  way  to  this  place — where  I  have 
for  many  years  lived  in  company  with  an  old  wretch  like 
myself,  supplicating  alms.  He  died  about  a  year  ago,  and 
left  me  in  the  hovel  by  myself.     I  still  beg  for  my  subsist- 


392  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

ence ;  and  now,  pacha,  you  have  my  story,  and  I  think  you 
will  acknowledge  that  I  may  well  say  that  "  Time  has  heen^ 

"  It  is  your  kismet,  your  destiny,  good  woman.  There 
is  but  one  God,  and  Mahomet  is  his  Prophet,"  observed  the 
pacha.     "  You  are  dismissed." 

"  And  the  gold,  your  highness,"  whispered  Mustapha. 

"Let  her  retain  it.  Has  she  not  been  a  sultana?" 
observed  the  pacha,  with  some  appearance  of  feeling. 

The  old  woman's  ears  were  keen,  she  had  heard  the 
question  of  Mustapha,  and  she  had  heard  the  reply  of  the 
pacha  ;  and  she  easily  imagined  the  rest. 

"  And  now,  pacha,  before  I  quit  your  presence,  as  I 
have  enjoyed  your  bounty,  I  will,  with  your  permission, 
offer  you  a  piece  of  advice,  which,  from  my  knowledge  of 
the  world  and  of  people's  countenances,  may  be  of  no  small 
service  to  you.     Is  it  permitted,  O  pacha  ?  " 

"  Speak,"  replied  the  pacha. 

"  Then,  pacha,  beware  of  that  man  who  sits  beside  you  ; 
for  there  is  that  in  his  face  which  tells  me  that  he  will 
raise  himself  upon  your  fall.     Pacha,  beware  !  " 

"Hag  of  Jehanum !  "  exclaimed  Mustapha,  rising  from 
his  seat. 

The  old  woman  held  up  her  finger,  and  walked  out  of 
the  divan. 

The  pacha  looked  suspiciously  at  Mustapha,  for  he  was 
of  a  suspicious  nature  ;  and  Mustapha  looked  anything  but 
innocent. 

"  Doth  my  lord  give  ear  to  a  lying  tongue  of  an  old 
woman  ? "  said  Mustapha,  prostrating  himself.  "  Hath 
not  your  slave  proved  himself  faithful  ?  Am  not  I  as  dust 
in  thy  presence  ?  Take  my  life,  O  pacha  !  but  doubt  not 
the  fidelity  of  thy  slave." 

The  pacha  seemed  pacified.  "What  is  all  this  but 
bosh,  nothing  ? "  said  he,  rising  and  quitting  the  apart- 
ment. 

"  Bosh  !  "  muttered  Mustapha.  "  The  cursed  old  hag  ! 
I  know  better — there  is  no  time  to  lose — I  must  be  quick. 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  393 

When  will  that  renegade  return  from  Stamboul  ?  It  is 
time."  And  Mustapha,  with  a  gloomy  countenance, 
quitted  the  divan. 


Chapter   XXII 

Although  the  pacha,  with  the  usual  diplomacy  of  a 
Turk,  had,  so  far  from  expressing  his  displeasure  against 
Mustapha,  treated  him  with  more  than  usual  urbanity,  he 
had  not  forgotten  the  advice  of  the  old  woman.  Suspicion 
once  raised  was  not  to  be  allayed,  and  he  had  consulted 
with  his  favourite  wife,  Fatima.  A  woman  is  a  good 
adviser  in  cases  of  this  description.  The  only  danger 
which  could  threaten  the  pacha  was  from  the  imperial 
court  at  Stamboul ;  for  the  troops  were  devoted  to  him, 
and  the  people  of  the  country  had  no  very  serious  cause  of 
complaint.  By  the  advice  of  the  favourite,  the  pacha  sent 
as  a  present  to  Mustapha,  a  young  and  handsome  Greek 
girl,  but  she  was  a  spy  in  the  service  of  the  favourite,  and 
had  been  informed  that  the  vizier  had  been  doomed.  She 
was  to  discover,  if  she  could,  whether  there  was  any 
intercourse  between  the  renegade,  who  commanded  the 
fleet,  and  the  vizier,  as  from  that  quarter  alone  danger 
could  be  anticipated.  The  Greek  had  not  been  a  week  in 
the  harem  of  Mustapha,  before  she  ascertained  more  than 
was  sufficient.  The  fleet  had  been  sent  to  Constantinople, 
with  presents  to  the  sultan  from  the  pacha,  and  its  return 
was  hourly  expected. 

It  was  on  the  afternoon  of  this  eventful  day  that  the 
£eet  hove  in  sight,  and  lay  becalmed  a  few  miles  in 
the  offing.  Mustapha  hastened  to  report  it  to  the 
pacha,  as  he  sat  in  his  divan,  hearing  complaints,  and 
giving  judgment,  although  not  justice.  Now  when  the 
pacha  heard  that  the  fleet  had  returned,  his  heart  misgave 
him,  and  the  more  so,  as  Mustapha  was  more  obsequious 
and  fawning  than  ever.  He  retired  for  a  short  time  from 
the  divan,  and  hastened  to  his  favourite,  Fatima. 


394  T^^  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  Pacha,"  said  she,  "  the  fleet  has  arrived,  and  Mustapha 
has  already  communicated  with  the  renegade.  Depend 
upon  it  you  are  lost,  if  you  do  not  forestall  them.  Lose 
no  time.  But  stop,"  said  she,  "  do  not  alarm  the  renegade 
by  violence  to  Mustapha.  To-morrow  the  fleet  will  anchor, 
and  if  there  is  mischief,  it  will  not  arrive  until  to-morrow 
— but  this  evening,  you  will  as  usual  send  for  coflee,  while 
you  smoke  and  listen  to  the  tales  which  you  delight  in. 
Drink  not  your  coffee,  for  there  shall  be  death  in  it.  Be 
all  smiles  and  good-humour,  and  leave  me  to  manage  the 
rest." 

The  pacha  smoothed  his  brow  and  returned  to  the  divan. 
Business  proceeded  as  usual,  and  at  length  the  audience 
was  closed.  The  pacha  appeared  to  be  in  high  good- 
humour,  and  so  was  the  vizier. 

"  Surely,"  said  Mustapha,  when  the  pipes  were  brought, 
**  his  imperial  highness,  the  sultan  will  have  sent  you  some 
mark  of  his  distinguished  favour." 

"  God  is  great,  and  the  sultan  is  wise,"  replied  the  pacha. 
**I  have  been  thinking  so  too,  Mustapha.  Who  knows 
but  that  he  may  add  to  the  territory  under  my  sway  by 
another  pachalik  ? " 

"  I  dreamt  as  much,"  replied  Mustapha,  "  and  I  am 
anxious  that  the  renegade  should  come  on  shore ;  but  it  is 
now  dark,  and  he  will  not  leave  his  vessel." 

"We  must  drive  away  the  mists  of  suspense  by  the 
sunbeams  of  hope,"  replied  the  pacha.  "What  am  I  but 
the  sultan's  slave  ?  Shall  we  not  indulge  this  evening  in 
the  water  of  the  Giaour  ?  " 

"What  saith  Hafiz  .?  It  is  for  wine  to  exalt  men,  and 
raise  them  beyond  uncertainty  and  doubt.  It  overfloweth 
us  with  courage,  and  imparts  visions  of  bliss." 

"  Wallah  Thaib,  it  is  well  said,  Mustapha,"  said  the 
pacha,  taking  a  cup  of  coffee,  presented  by  the  Greek 
slave.  Mustapha  also  received  his  cup.  "  My  heart  is 
light  this  evening,"  said  the  pacha,  laying  down  his  pipe, 
"  let  us  drink  deep  of  the  forbidden  juice.  Where  is  it, 
Mustapha?" 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  395 

**  It  is  here,"  replied  the  vizier,  drinking  ofF  his  coffee  ; 
while  the  pacha  watched  him  from  the  corner  of  his  small 
grey  eye.  And  Mustapha  produced  the  spirits,  which 
were  behind  the  low  ottoman  upon  which  he  was  seated. 

The  pacha  put  aside  his  coffee,  and  drank  a  large  draught. 
**  God  is  great ;  drink,  Mustapha,"  said  he,  handing  him 
the  bottle, 

Mustapha  followed  the  example  of  the  pacha.  "  May 
it  please  your  highness,"  said  Mustapha,  "  I  have  without 
a  man,  who  they  say  hath  stories  to  recount  more  de- 
lightful than  those  of  Menouni.  Hearing  that  he  passed 
through  this  city,  I  have  detained  him,  that  he  might  afford 
amusement  to  your  highness,  whose  slave  I  am.  Is  it  your 
pleasure  that  he  be  admitted  ? " 

"  Let  it  be  so,"  replied  the  pacha. 

Mustapha  gave  the  sign,  and  to  the  surprise  of  the  pacha,. 
in  came  the  renegade,  commander  of  the  fleet,  accompanied 
by  guards  and  the  well-known  officer  of  the  caliph,  the 
Capidji  Bach'i,  who  held  up  a  firman  to  his  forehead. 

The  pacha  turned  pale,  for  he  knew  that  his  hour  was 
come.  "  Bismillah !  In  the  name  of  the  Most  High,  O 
officer,  whom  seekest  thou  ? "  exclaimed  the  pacha,  with 
emotion. 

"The  sultan,  the  Lord  of  Life,  has  sent  this  to  you,  O 
pacha  !  as  a  proof  of  his  indulgence  and  great  mercy." 
And  the  Capidji  Bachi  produced  a  silken  bowstring,  and  at 
the  same  time  he  handed  the  fatal  scroll  to  the  pacha. 

"  Mustapha,"  whispered  the  pacha,  "  while  I  read  this, 
collect  my  guards ;  I  will  resist.  I  fear  not  the  sultan  at 
this  distance,  and  I  can  soften  him  with  presents." 

But  Mustapha  had  no  such  fellow-feeling.  "  O  pacha!" 
replied  he,  "  who  can  dispute  the  will  of  heaven's  vice- 
gerent ?  There  is  but  one  God,  and  Mahomet  is  his 
Prophet." 

"  I  will  dispute  it,"  exclaimed  the  pacha.  **  Go  out  and 
call  my  trustiest  guards." 

Mustapha  left  the  divan,  and  returned  with  the  mutes  and 
some  of  the  guards,  who  had  been  suborned  by  himself. 


396  The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales 

"  Traitor  !  "  exclaimed  the  pacha. 

"La  Allah,  il  Allah!  there  is  but  one  God,"  said 
Mustapha. 

The  pacha  saw  that  he  was  sacrificed.  He  read  the 
firman,  pressed  it  to  his  forehead,  in  token  of  obedience, 
and  prepared  for  death.  The  Capidji  Bachi  produced 
another  firman,  and  presented  it  to  Mustapha.  It  was  to 
raise  him  to  the  pachalik. 

"  Barik  Allah  !  praise  be  to  God  for  all  things,"  humbly 
observed  Mustapha.  "  What  am  I  but  the  sultan's  slave, 
and  to  execute  his  orders  ?     On  my  head  be  it !  " 

Mustapha  gave  the  sign,  and  the  mutes  seized  the 
unfortunate  pacha. 

"  There  is  but  one  God,  and  Mahomet  is  his  Prophet," 
said  the  pacha.  **  Mustapha,"  continued  he,  turning  round 
to  him  with  a  sardonic  smile,  **  may  your  shadow  never  be 
less — but  you  have  swallowed  the  coffee." 

The  mutes  tightened  the  string.  In  a  minute  a  cloak 
was  thrown  over  the  body  of  the  pacha. 

"The  coffee,"  muttered  Mustapha,  as  he  heard  the 
pacha's  last  words.  "  I  thought  it  had  a  taste.  Now  he's 
sent  to  Jehanum  for  his  treachery."  And  all  the  visions  of 
power  and  grandeur,  which  had  filled  the  mind  of  the  new 
pacha,  were  absorbed  by  fear  and  dismay. 

The  Capidji  Bachi,  having  performed  his  duty,  withdrew. 
^*  And  now,"  exclaimed  the  renegade,  "  let  me  have  my 
promised  reward." 

"  Your  reward — true.  I  had  forgotten,"  replied  Mus- 
tapha, as  the  pain  occasioned  by  the  working  of  the  poison 
distorted  his  face.  "  Yes,  I  had  forgotten,"  continued 
Mustapha,  who,  certain  that  his  own  end  was  approaching, 
was  furious  as  a  wild  beast,  with  pain  and  baffled  am- 
bition. "Yes,  I  had  forgotten.  Guards,  seize  the 
renegade." 

"  They  must  be  quicker  than  you  think  for,"  replied 
Huckabuck,  darting  from  the  guards  and  drawing  his 
scimitar,  while,  with  his  fingers  in  his  mouth,  he  gave  a 
shrill  whistle.     In   rushed   a   large  body  of  soldiers  and 


The  Pacha  of  Many  Tales  397 

sailors  of  the  fleet,  and  the  guards  were  disarmed.  "  Now, 
pacha  of  one  hour  old,  what  sayest  thou  ? " 

"It  is  my  destiny,"  replied  Mustapha,  rolling  on  the 
floor  in  agony.  "There  is  but  one  God,  and  Mahomet  is 
his  Prophet."     And  Mustapha  expired. 

**  The  old  fool  has  saved  me  some  trouble,"  observed 
the  renegade.  "  Take  away  these  carcases,  and  proclaim 
Ali  as  the  new  pacha." 

Thus  perished  the  two  barbers,  and  thus  did  Huckaback, 
under  the  name  of  Ali,  reign  in  their  stead.  But  his  reign, 
and  how  long  it  lasted,  is  one  of  the  many  tales  not  handed 
down  to  posterity. 


THE    END. 


PRINTED   BY 

TURNBULL  AND  SPEARS, 

EDINBORGH. 


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